Rangers season has been spiraling in recent weeks which makes today’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts even more important.
Philippe Clement knows that his squad need to improve on recent performances if they are to beat Steven Naismith’s side and a repeat of what has been seen lately will see any hopes of silverware disappear.
The manager will be wanting to see the Rangers team that got to the top of the league table, even better would be the one that beat Hearts recently as he gives his thoughts to RTV in the buildup to the Hampden showdown.
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Rangers boss explains what is needed to beat Hearts
The recent record against the Tynecastle outfit has seen four wins from four games this season.
Other than the 5-0 win at Ibrox recently, most of the games were close and today will be no different.
Hearts have four key players missing, but will still have star man Lawrence Shankland leading the line, a player who many thought would be lining up on the other side in January.
Rangers are still without Oscar Cortes and Danilo and Ridvan Yilmaz isn’t 100%, Philippe Clement will be happy to see Mohamed Diomande back and available though.
Speaking ahead of the game, Clement is in no doubt what he needs to see:
“It’s very exciting because it is two games away from a trophy.
“They have experience already of Hampden already with the semi-final last time and with winning the league cup so everybody is really hungry to repeat that and win another trophy.
“Of course, Hearts have had much better preparation for this semi-final, but it is what it is.
“After the frustration you want to react as fast as possible, so in that way it is a good way that we can play on Sunday.
“Everyone was disappointed after losing points, also after a really bad game against Ross County.
“We need to take another step forward to win against Hearts, you know we have to raise our level and play better.
“There is a lot of hunger and desire in this squad.”
Rangers under pressure after recent slump
It could be a pivotal moment in Philippe Clement’s managerial career at Ibrox.
A win could get the season back on track and give the players a boost ahead of a run of key league fixtures where they have no margin for error.
A defeat, and the gaffer will be under pressure, despite the previous good work that shows he can bring success to the club.
It’s not just Clement that needs the win.
Some of the players who have let themselves, the manager and the fans down in recent weeks need to do something to redeem themselves.
The manager is right, we need to raise our level significantly, not just today, but from now unti the end of the season.
