Rangers manager Philippe Clement has pointed to Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn as an example of why patience is essential for developing players.
The German winger, who has been instrumental in Celtic’s 11-point lead over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, has blossomed this season with an impressive 24 goal contributions, despite a challenging start to life at Parkhead earlier this year.
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Clement addressed the importance of allowing players time to adapt, indirectly referencing Kuhn’s rise under Brendan Rodgers:
“I don’t want to make comparisons too much with other teams but the better player on the offensive part of the other side of the town was six months ago or last season not starting. He needed time after the transfer to get his rhythm, to get his connection with other players.” [BBC]
Clement’s embarrassing mentality avoided explicitly naming Celtic or Kuhn but the implication was clear. He just didn’t want to lose staunch points.
It’s laughable from a Celtic perspective that he couldn’t even name the club or the player, but it’s good to know he’s been watching the champions.
It would be good if, you know, he could use one of his own players. But he can’t. Simply because there is no star man, no player that the manager has improved massively, no signing that is setting the world alight. What a time to be a Celtic fan.
Clement’s remarks come as Rangers grapple with their inability to match Celtic’s attacking firepower. Sitting 11 points behind their rivals, Rangers have also fallen seven points adrift of Aberdeen.
