Philippe Clement looks like a man on the brink at Rangers – I fear he could quit

PHILIPPE CLEMENT looks to me like a man on the brink.

Like someone who could easily walk away from Rangers anytime soon.

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I hate saying that. And I hope I’m wrong.

But that’s what I took from his comments about the job he’s being asked to do right now.

The lack of funds to rebuild the squad with money only available if he sells someone first.

This wasn’t what he signed up for, was it?

What was it that he said last week?

“I had other expectations when I came in in October, I have to say.”

Clement strikes me as a shrewd guy, he’s certainly not someone who suffers fools gladly.

With that in mind, I genuinely fear he’s close to deciding the situation leaves him with only one option.

And that’s to quit.

Rangers fans won’t enjoy hearing that but deep down they’ll all be fearing the same thing.

Because what he said in his press conference in the Netherlands earlier this week set alarm bells ringing. I wouldn’t blame him, either, if he decided he’d had enough.

It’s like he’s been asked to go into a fight with Celtic with two hands tied behind his back.

I’ve already had my say on the Ibrox stadium situation, which is just a farce.

But it all adds to the negativity at Rangers when we’re days away from the start of the season.

Clement’s comments about Jack Butland being the only Rangers player who wasn’t for sale also hit a nerve with me.

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Listen, I understand why he said that.

But the truth is that Rangers don’t have anyone at the club who is too good to be sold. Butland included.

Sure, it would be a loss if he was to go but the fact is that everyone has their price.

Rangers need to learn their lesson on that, and quickly.

Because it has been their failure to cash in on their best players in the last few years that’s been their problem.

Alfredo Morelos should have been sold to the highest bidder, the same goes for Ryan Kent. Even Borna Barisic and John Lundstram should have been punted before being allowed to leave the club for nothing.

Celtic don’t let themselves get into that situation.

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OK, they were reluctant to let Matt O’Riley go during last season when the title race was in the balance.

But he’ll go this summer and the club will rake in a fortune when he does.

Hearts would sell Lawrence Shankland tomorrow if the price was right.

So why are Rangers still saying certain players aren’t for sale? Will they ever learn?

I know signings have been made this summer.

But we don’t know yet whether any of the new arrivals are going to make the team any better.

Or whether Rangers are worse off now than when the season ended in May.

That’s got to be the concern for the supporters, and Clement, who must be considering his position as things stand.

He’s maybe encouraged by the fact Celtic haven’t done a lot of business themselves so far. Someone will need to explain to me why they took so long to get a new No 1 goalkeeper.

It was months and months ago that veteran Joe Hart confirmed he was retiring from football.

So why wasn’t Kasper Schmeichel signed earlier?

I think there will also be Celtic fans asking why they’re replacing a 37- year-old with another 37-year-old.

I know Viljami Sinisalo has been brought in from Aston Villa as back-up.

But some supporters will wonder why the recruitment department haven’t come up with other targets, rather than someone who simply worked with Brendan Rodgers before?

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Listen, I think Schmeichel will prove to be a good signing. But you have to think Celtic will be looking to bring in players who really grab the punters.

It’s not like they don’t have money to spend, is it?

The club is cash-rich and, unless they are saving up to redevelop the stadium, then I expect them to use at least some of it this summer.

That’s what Rodgers will be demanding given his own comments last summer — and in January — when he pointed to how there has to be more bravery in the market.

As things stand, the only deals being talked about are ones for Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo — two good players, by the way.

But you have to imagine Celtic will be parading a couple of top players at least before the transfer window closes.

Remember, this is a club that’s supposedly targeting European success in the Champions League.

Some people would have you believe they’re too good for Scottish football. Give me peace.

Right now, though, they look likely to be better than Rangers and for some of their season ticket holders that’s all that matters.

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