Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers, finds himself facing increasing pressure from both the fans and the board as his team falls further behind Celtic in the standings. The disappointing 1-1 draw against Dundee United only served to shine a harsh light on Clement’s decision to consistently start Mohamed Diomande.
Diomande, a player who commanded a significant transfer fee when he made his move permanent from Nordsjælland in the summer, has failed to justify his price tag with lackluster performances. The Ivorian midfielder’s struggles on the pitch have not only frustrated the fans but have also raised doubts about Clement’s ability to make the necessary changes to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Despite Clement’s willingness to make bold decisions, such as substituting Diomande at half time in a recent match, the team still found themselves unable to secure a much-needed victory. With players like Ianis Hagi waiting in the wings, the time may have come for Clement to shake things up by dropping Diomande from the starting lineup.
Continuing to rely on a player who is clearly not performing up to expectations poses a significant risk for Clement, especially if he hopes to maintain his position as the manager of Rangers. Making a change, such as giving Hagi more playing time and benching Diomande, could be the key to unlocking the team’s attacking potential and salvaging what remains of the season.
The decision to take such a risk is one that Clement must carefully weigh, considering the implications it could have for both the team’s performance and his own job security. Ultimately, making the necessary changes to the lineup could prove to be a crucial step towards improving the team’s form and satisfying the expectations of fans and the board alike.
