‘Frustrated & with heavy heart’ – Clement on Ibrox exit

After serving for 16 months, Philippe Clement claims to have left Rangers “with a heavy heart.”

The Belgian’s final game in charge ended with a defeat at home to St Mirren on February 22.

The former Club Brugge and Monaco head coach’s slump by second-tier Queen’s Park at Ibrox two weeks prior had put a lot of pressure on him, effectively putting an end to Rangers’ chances of domestic success this year.

Clement stated on X that it took me a few days to fully understand and accept the conclusion of my time with this exceptional club.

“I leave with a heavy heart, frustrated and depressed because I wasn’t consistently able to deliver the team what we all anticipated.”

Clement won the 2023 League Cup final against Aberdeen, but Rangers finished second last season behind Celtic in the Scottish Cup and Premiership.

In the League Cup final against their city rivals on penalties in December, there was even more disappointment.

Since Clement left, Brendan Rodgers’ side have increased their lead to 16 points in the Premiership.

However, notable victories in the Europa League made it possible for Fenerbahce to meet in the last-16 on Thursday (17:45 GMT), which will be interim head coach Barry Ferguson’s third game in charge.

I will never forget the many wonderful moments we shared, “we worked hard, day and night, and we faced challenges,” Clement remarked.

Your unwavering support and the fans’ enthusiasm made those times truly special. We had the impression that we were a sizable family at those times.