'Make it make sense' - Stevie Clifford stunned after Rangers player dictated bizarre change to Clement

Robin Propper was the one who made the decision to put himself up front for Rangers vs Dynamo Kyiv and not Philippe Clement, according to Stevie Clifford.

The 4 Lads Had A Dream host reacted to the confusing tactical chance from the 2-0 loss on the Rangers Review Morning Briefing on 14 August to question why the Dutch defender was allowed to leave the back line after the Light Blues conceded the first goal, leading to an immediate second going in.

Brazilian striker Danilo also remained on the bench throughout as new man Propper seemingly took it upon himself to alter the set up, and Clifford believes “things are happening with Philippe Clement that don’t make sense”.

He said (17m 50s): “It was the ideal chance to throw Danilo on for 20 minutes. At this point when he’s talking about, ‘it’s not the game to put Danilo on’, at what point does it become the game to put Danilo on?

“Last night again, sticking a centre-half up front. Robin Propper made the decision last night, he was the one that told Philippe Clement on the bench, he signalled, ‘me, go up front’, and away he went.

“A minute later we’re 2-0 down because there’s a massive hole in that side of the defence when they play a one-two and he’s not there. Make it make sense.”

Danilo absence adds to Rangers confusion

It is easy to overreact to such a crushing defeat, especially when it came in such controversial circumstances after the “absolute shocker” of a decision to send of Jefte [Marvin Bartley, 13 August].

And Clement might rightfully point to the fact that with 11 men his under-strength side looked the more likely to battle through against the Ukrainians, despite playing away from Ibrox and the difficulties in the transfer market.

But at 1-0 down there was still hope of a response, whereas Propper’s decision to head up front appeared to confuse his teammates more than anything and Dynamo immediately took advantage to end the tie as Nazar Voloshyn added to Oleksandr Pikhalyonok’s strike.

The former FC Twente captain scored an own-goal on debut vs Motherwell and was outshone by John Souttar in the European clash in what has been an inauspicious start to his Gers career.

He added nothing of value in attack and left the defence open so questions have to be asked of him if he dictated the switch to his new manager.

It is not a good look for Clement if he agreed to the change, and it is arguably even worse if he implemented it himself.

And when he was forced to deny suggestions that Danilo was seen limping ahead of the game due to further injury [Heart & Hand, 13 August], having not yet seen a minute of action in four games, it is little wonder there is confusion around the operation under the Belgian at present.

A lot of the problems are outside of his control, but he is making some strange decisions himself, and when he has been tipped to walk out amid links to another job it is clear that all is not right at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, a Light Blues star has been frozen out with the club dodging a six-figure payment as details have emerged.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Make it make sense' - Stevie Clifford stunned after Rangers player dictated bizarre change to Clement appeared first on Ibrox News.