The Belgian landed his first piece of Rangers silverware at the first time of asking at Hampden.
Philippe Clement landed his first Rangers trophy just 64 days after arriving at Ibrox – then insisted all the credit for turning around their season lies at the feet of his players.
James Tavernier’s 76th minute goal won the Viaplay Cup at Aberdeen’s expense at Hampden and even as his squad was lapping up the adulation of their supporters, the Belgian was telling them to enjoy the moment but be ready to get straight back into the league fight against St Johnstone on Wednesday night.
“I’m really happy and proud,” Clement added. Everyone sees a growing team if I look at the team’s route over the last nine weeks. It is difficult to maintain the same level of focus following a historic win on Thursday, especially in an away game in Seville with all of the travel involved. That was important to me as well, and they performed an excellent job.
“But it is my job to keep everybody’s feet on the ground. This evening they can enjoy and then tomorrow I will be the strict one again!
“It creates a desire for more.” That is my thinking and how I have always been. This is becoming more common in the locker room. It does not imply that we will win every game this season; that is unrealistic.
“However, we must strive to win all of our games this season.” We can perform pretty well if we have this mentality with the way we want to play football, the way everything is analysed, and the quality we have.”
Rangers are currently unbeaten in 14 games under Clement, and he is sure that the credit belongs to the players he selects each week. “It’s not about me; it’s about the players,” he remarked. They’ve completed the task. I didn’t kick a single ball, sprint, or tackle. It’s all about the players.
“We did it with the help of many people, including the players and the staff.” It’s not just me. I’m the one that talks to you the most, but there are a lot of individuals in the locker room who work hard with the players and do the right things. I’m the type of man who requires a bird’s-eye view to see how things are going. That will be the case my role in the next couple of months.”
Clement issued a message to the Ibrox support, who celebrated the first League Cup victory since 2011.
“Keep this happiness – and see how much the players want it. I know the synergy was a bit gone not such a long time ago.
“I hope also this gives some credit for the difficult moments that will come in the season and that the fans stick behind the players. Because I can promise one thing. It will always be players on the pitch who have been working hard during the week.
“I can make that promise.” We can do more if they drive the squad through the difficult times.”
Rangers still trail Celtic by five points, but have two games in hand, and Clement is looking for three points against St Johnstone on Wednesday. “This week was a sprint, all or nothing for the Europa League or the Conference League, but we knew we’d have something,” he remarked. It was a true sprint, all or nothing. We did an excellent job of it.
“The competition is a marathon.” It has been a long time. In a marathon, we just need to concentrate on ourselves, not on the individuals in front of or behind us. It makes no difference. It’s all about us. It’s about getting that rhythm and pace. That is the only thing we can do. There is much to do.”
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