Hugh Keevins fires Clement sack warning at Rangers, piranhas could start to circle

Rangers manager Philippe Clement could “have the piranhas circling” if his side don’t make a strong start to next season, according to Hugh Keevins.

The Daily Record journalist said that the Gers have to ensure that they qualify for the Champions League group stages and defeat Celtic in the first Old Firm derby, to avoid early questions about job security.

Clement is taking charge of his side’s summer recruitment in the transfer market [Daily Record], leading a squad overhaul which Keevins warned must be inventive if the Belgian is to build a successful team that will challenge Celtic.

Keevins said: “No Champions League and no win over Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of next season would be enough to have the piranhas circling the manager’s feet before the January transfer window even opens.

“Sink or swim time. And no lifebuoys.”

Clement to be sacked at Rangers?

Rangers failed to beat Celtic across five attempts last season, four of which came in the league before a last-gasp 1-0 loss in the Scottish Cup Final on 25 May.

Three of those four losses came under Clement’s stewardship, only winning a solitary point thanks to a frantic 3-3 draw at Ibrox in April which saw them come back from 2-0 and 3-2 down late on.

Clement’s summer rebuild could see an almost unrecognisable side take to the field in the early matches of the new season [The Scotsman] – the first of which come in must-win Champions League qualifiers – but that side must be one with enough quality to draw level with Celtic.

The Bhoys’ record of four wins and a draw, scoring nine goals to five conceded, is something Rangers simply have to fix next season if they’re to have any hope of returning to Premiership glory.

But if the early signs suggest they’ll be well off the pace – much like their form in last season’s run-in was – Clement could be under pressure right from the off.

In other Rangers news, a Premier League midfielder with “great quality” is now up for grabs this summer amid a recent development with a move to Ibrox on the cards.

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