Arthur's Column // 24th October 2023

Nobody could have asked for more from Philippe Clement's first game in charge of Rangers.

A comprehensive 4-0 win against Hibs was ideal. A really fine start. He didn't make any drastic changes but there were obvious tweaks made here and there and it worked well.

In time, he will ask more from the players, but he didn't want to overdo it in his opening few days and that was understandable and sensible.

His messaging throughout the week to the media was also good. He spoke about getting the best out of the players, looking at them as individuals when it comes to training methods and physical attributes.

All of that will go on behind closed doors at Auchenhowie on a daily basis and the fans will look to see the benefits of this on a Saturday.

He now goes into Thursday's away game in the Europa League at Sparta Prague and that will not be easy. But what we will get is a massive improvement on the last European outing when we lost 2-1 to Aris Limassol. We hit rock bottom that night.

It will be different this midweek but we can't take anything for granted.

In Europe, at any level, if you are to achieve a positive result then you need to be right on it, playing to a high standard. Philippe has good options available to him and it was encouraging to see Cyriel Dessers scoring a goal.

Nico Raskin also played very well and scored. Having a fellow countryman as manager might just elevate him to another level.

Nico is a fine young player and I think he has many attributes to really kick on.

Abdallah Sima is also hitting a lovely bit of consistency and his pace is always a threat. His eye for goal is also great. He looks the part.

And a huge bonus in the forward area was the return of Danilo on Saturday.

He will be desperate to do well and find a rhythm. He will be a massive asset for Rangers and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.

Overall, Philippe will be pleased and we all hope for a positive result in the Czech Republic on Thursday.

I wish the team well and move it on towards Sunday's game at home to Hearts.