Fuming Jack Butland didn’t sugarcoat his feelings after Rangers’ disappointing draw with Dundee United, where more crucial points slipped away from their grasp.
Some fans believe that Butland’s candid interview was a subtle jab at manager Philippe Clement, with previous comments hinting at tensions between the two. The pressure on the Belgian boss increased following the Light Blues’ loss of their unbeaten Scottish Premiership home record against Jim Goodwin’s side.
Butland, who wore the captain’s armband in James Tavernier’s absence, expressed his frustration in a post-match interview with Rangers TV. He emphasized the need for the team to start games stronger and not let easy goals slip through, especially against teams that are content to defend for a draw.
When questioned about the team’s lack of control in the game, Butland defended the effort but acknowledged the need for a more proactive approach to prevent conceding goals in the first half. He stressed the importance of taking responsibility and delivering the performance the fans and staff deserve.
Speculation among supporters regarding a rift between Butland and Clement has fueled conversations online, with some interpreting Butland’s comments as a critique of the manager’s tactics. However, Butland remains focused on the ultimate goal of winning matches to silence the doubts and criticisms.
As the team prepares for the upcoming Europa League clash with Nice, Butland knows that the only way to silence the murmurs of discontent is through consistent, positive results on the pitch. Winning is the only acceptable outcome for the team moving forward.