Some Rangers fans have already written off the entire season.
Miles off Celtic at the top of the Premiership. Out of the Champions League early doors. And an Old Firm cup final defeat at Hampden. It doesn’t make for great reading and to some staunch Bluenoses who, quite rightly, believe winning is all that matters, it’s difficult to be optimistic about the future. But given that the title is beyond them, what WOULD represent a successful campaign for the Ibrox side?
That’s where the Scottish Cup suddenly takes on even greater importance. Because if under-fire gaffer Philippe Clement could somehow get his hands on the trophy in May, it might just buy him time. A chunk of the support have already made up their minds and want him out. But winning this competition, which kicks off against Highland League outfit Fraserburgh, could be significant.
Especially if Clement can point to the development of three youngsters who are emerging not just as key players now – but also adding considerable market value to Gers’ squad. He warned in the summer that it would be a turbulent campaign for the club. But he also vowed to nurture fresh talent that could earn them a fortune.
And in Hamza Igamane, Jefte – and now French kid Clinton Nsiala – on this at least Clement appears to be on track. Nsiala strolled it in Rangers’ 3-0 win over Aberdeen in midweek and looks an astute addition after arriving from AC Milan.
So would winning the Scottish Cup – and developing a trio of potential stars – be a good season for Clement? He refused to bite but said: “I’m not thinking about that right now.
“Let’s keep those questions for the end of the season. First, it’s about creating a culture to win every game. I don’t want my players to only think about the Scottish Cup and not the league games. It’s about our desire to win and creating that culture in the minds and bodies of the players and staff.”
More on that winning culture later. First, he wanted to praise the impact Nsiala has made since stepping into the centre of his defence.
The youngster hadn’t played a professional game before making his debut at Dens Park 10 days ago. And in the summer, serious questions were asked about Clement’s recruitment when his budget was cut.
But the manager said: “I’m happy with what Clinton has done in three games. He’s been hungry from the day he stepped into the building and now he’s confirming it.
“I have a feeling he’ll keep two feet on the ground but I have to keep a big eye on that. It’s dangerous when they read lots of articles in the newspaper and think they’re better than they are at that moment.
“But I’m happy that people are starting to see the fruits of what was planted in the summer. There was a lot of criticism about that. Why Igamane from Morocco?
“Why Clinton when he’s only played for youth teams? And why Jefte who doesn’t have experience at this level? They’re all young so people were asking, why do that? That people are starting to see them grow up – and they have potential to grow a lot more – is positive.
“It’s positive for the plan we had together to get this club to where it wants to be. Doing it without spending money and not buying success, but developing success. It’s a really positive thing that they’re making good steps.”
The challenge for Clement is to ensure the progression of rookies like Igamane, Jefte and Nsiala continues – but at the same time make his squad a winning machine. He can’t say when it will happen but he knows the patience of fans and the board won’t last forever.
That’s why a Scottish Cup triumph could be vital. Ahead of today’s tie, he said: “Will it be tomorrow, one month, three months or six? Nobody can predict it.
“I wish I had a crystal ball because life would be much easier. Maybe I could have explained things much better in June. What’s important is you can see the evolution of the team and what individual players are doing.
“We lost John Souttar, who had a huge evolution in a year, so we lost stability in our defence. But because of that, Clinton got a chance to prove himself at this level. So that’s another good step.
“It’s clear. They showed against Celtic in the Old Firm game and the League Cup final that we can compete. Now, it’s about competing every three days mentally, physically and tactically. We need to create that culture in this group.
“I’m not saying the players don’t have it. A lot of clubs in the world don’t have it. But this is a special club. You have those few in the world where it has to be there, always. That’s something new for some of these players and staff.
“It’s exciting and if you can get to that level you also get a really big reward. A lot of things need to be top. After that, you also need to beat all these opponents who are super hungry to beat you.
“Of course, it’s about coaching but it’s also about experiencing it and living it. I see players who will thrive on that and have the hunger to become better. That’s what you need at a club like this.”