Philippe Clement admits Rangers need a clean sweep of wins after the split if they are to have any chance of winning the title.
The Light Blues dropped two more crucial points against Dundee on Wednesday night to leave bitter rivals Celtic three points clear at the top. And with just five games to go, including an Old Firm shootout, boss Clement knows it could take a clean sweep of wins for his side to come out on top.The Belgian said: “I said when we were winning the games, that I would look at the end.
“OK, you guys point out the ranking a lot. I know we need maybe to win five games to do that. We made a series like that during the season. It is about game by game doing that, focusing on that and not on the series. We still have our own fate in our hands.”
Clement claimed his team gave them the right reaction after their shock 3-2 defeat to Ross County on Sunday, but just lacked a cutting edge. He said: “Yes, they gave a reaction. We didn’t get the result we wanted. We were the only team to deserve this result this evening in the possession, in the chances, the clear chances. But you need to put the ball against the net.”
Clement dismissed suggestions his team are struggling under the title pressure.. He insists he still believes they can claim the title – because his side have been in worse positions in the title race.
He added: “I was maybe the only one in Glasgow who believed that in October. We are now six months later and if we win all our games then there is a really big possibility for that.
“I think that is already a big step forward and I believe in these players, this group, because I have seen what they have done this season already. They can do it again.”
The woeful draw on the back of the disaster in Dingwall saw fans turn on their team. But Clement pleaded: “That they need to stick with the team. That is super important. It is winning together and losing points together.
“I know as a fan you have the emotions and for sure after the game. But they have been great the last couple of months and pushing the team over difficult moments.
“That is what I expect also in this situation. Maybe in the next weeks they can push the team a few times over the line, or the ball over the line.”
Dundee boss Tony Docherty held a very different view to Clement of how the game at Dens Park went. He said: “You watched the game. I would strongly disagree with that. I thought it was a fantastic performance that went toe-to-toe against a Rangers team who has a big motivation. Who had more motivation?
“We were fantastic in and out of possession and I couldn’t be more pleased. We deserved a point against a good Rangers team.
“We could even have won it because Scott Tiffoney had a good chance. It was important out on the training pitch and improving and keeping our focus. We have got rewards for that focus.”
The Dundee boss feels his team have shown they are worthy of their place in the top six for the split and is looking for a big finish.He added: “We are in the top six and we wanted a result against the Old Firm.
“Again you can see a progression. It shows where this squad is going. We belong here in the top six and show that focus and we can be as competitive as we can be.”
