Stephen McGowan shares Philippe Clement non-negotiable in January in Rangers sack verdict

Rangers beating Celtic on 2 January has become a “non-negotiable” for Philippe Clement moving forward, according to Stephen McGowan.

McGowan, on page 71 of the Scottish Daily Mail [17 December], says it will always remain difficult for supporters to look positively at the outlook on their team without the ability to beat their bitter rivals.

Gers were agonisingly denied back-to-back Scottish League Cups at Hampden Park on Sunday [15 December] as Brendan Rodgers’ side staggered over the line on penalties following a pulsating 3-3 draw.

The next Old Firm kicks off 2025 for both sides as Clement’s men host at Ibrox, in what McGowan says is a must-win clash to help stave off talk of the sack at Ibrox.

Rangers moving in the right direction

McGowan’s point is correct in claiming Rangers are on the right path. The start of this season was utterly chaotic, compounded by the fact Celtic were winning every week including the 3-0 Old Firm loss for Clement’s side.

Gers matched them every step of the way until sudden death of a penalty shootout at Hampden, playing their part in a memorable derby – one that now fans in Govan will be preferring to forget.

At the end of the day, the progress and encouraging promise meant little as Celtic wrestled back the League Cup from their rivals, but it means even more now rides on the meeting in a little over two weeks’ time.

The club have made decent strides in a short space of time both on and off the pitch, but are competing with a juggernaut in Scottish football terms who are shelling out in excess of £10million on individual players.

A win in the upcoming Glasgow derby could turn attitudes positive for good and lead into a successful January transfer window at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart predicts the club will sell one of their established names in January.

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 Stephen McGowan shares Philippe Clement non-negotiable in January in Rangers sack verdict appeared first on Ibrox News.