In a stunning turn of events, Queen’s Park managed to defeat the Scottish giants, sending Rangers crashing out of the cup and dashing their hopes of lifting any silverware this season. The defeat could mark a new low for Rangers under the leadership of Philippe Clement, but the manager remained steadfast in his conviction about the team’s future despite the humiliating loss to Queen’s Park.
The Light Blues are now facing a trophyless campaign after suffering elimination from the Scottish Cup at the hands of the Scottish Championship side. A late goal from substitute Sebastian Drozd at Ibrox sealed their fate, with captain James Tavernier missing a crucial penalty in injury time. Adding insult to injury, Celtic’s substantial lead in the Scottish Premiership title race and their previous League Cup exit at the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ side have further compounded the team’s woes, leaving their European hopes as their last chance for redemption this season.
Following the defeat, scrutiny over Clement’s long-term future at Rangers has reached an all-time high. However, the Belgian manager remained bullish and resolute after the match. While fans and critics question his leadership capabilities in light of the disappointing loss, Clement was quick to point out the areas where the team fell short, particularly in terms of tempo and composure, leading to missed opportunities and, ultimately, the upsetting result.
Despite the backlash and growing pressure, Clement deflected suggestions of impending talks with the board or potential discussions about his own position. He emphasized the team’s progress in recent months, pointing out the positive strides made along the journey, and urged supporters to consider the bigger picture rather than making decisions based on emotions and a single match result. While acknowledging the fans’ frustrations and emotions following the defeat, Clement remained resolute in his belief in the team’s continuous development and push towards a brighter future for Rangers.
