The Belgian FA reportedly feel there will be an “opening” to snap up Philippe Clement amid mounting pressure at Rangers as they consider replacing Domenico Tedesco.
After rounding off a disappointing Nations League campaign with defeat to Israel, the Belgium boss is facing mounting pressure over his future with Record Sport understanding Clement is a surprising name to emerge on a shock list of potential successors with the Royal Belgian Football Association looking to go with a homegrown coach this time. Het Nieuwsblad report several coaches have already been contacted to gauge their interest in the Red Devils role with three Belgian names also on the early shortlist.
Out of work duo Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Michel Preud’homme have been named alongside Clement. It’s noted that while the Light Blues boss “prefers” the day-to-day of club management” the Belgian decision-makers reckon an “opening” could emerge due to the boss facing “great pressure” at Rangers.
And former Belgium boss Georges Leekens has namechecked Clement as one of the bosses he would like to see step into the role. Tedesco froze out experienced heads like Christian Benteke, Dries Mertens and Thibaut Courtois and Leekens reckons the Ibrox boss could bridge the gap created by the German.
He told Sporza: “You can’t throw away experienced players too quickly. Take Christian Benteke – top scorer in the MLS. And Dries Mertens who is still shining in Turkey. I also brought Timmy Simons back when he was 34, right? Why not? You need such key players.
“They are top players in terms of mentality and they make the mayonnaise stick. For me, it’s Yves Vanderhaeghe and Philippe Clement, for example, who could make the difference.”