‘I heard that…’ – Clement surprised by Rangers news story he heard on radio

Philippe Clement has urged Rangers fans and media to ignore any dreams of reaching the Europa League final as he wants to take it one game at a time.

The boss admitted he was shocked to have heard people talking about the final already, with the second leg against Benfica at the forefront of his mind as things stand.

Clement then shared that it would be an “amazing” achievement for his squad to qualify for the next round, as two months ago nobody would have considered they were capable of beating Benfica.

Speaking to the Daily Record [14 March], the boss admitted: “I heard that on the radio and I was surprised that people are thinking about that already. It’s still a long, long way to go to think about the final.

“We have to think about Benfica first. We’re only thinking about one game at a time. I just need my players to give their best — qualifying would be an amazing thing.

“Nobody would have dreamt about that even two months ago, to qualify against a team like Benfica. So let us focus first on that.”

Rangers could be up against it v Benfica in the Europa League

With Benfica set to travel to Ibrox following the first leg where they drew 2-2 in Lisbon, thanks to goals from Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling, the players know they have a tough test on their hands if they are to qualify.

Clement is also having to contend with a series of injury issues which may stand in the way of reaching the next round, with key players the likes of Sterling and Ross McCausland both likely to miss the Ibrox clash in a dent to their ambitions.

However, it must be considered that Benfica’s goals in the reverse leg came largely through individual mistakes – firstly from John Souttar giving away a penalty, and then a Connor Goldson own-goal. That should give them hope.

Clement’s focus on taking things one game at a time, both domestically and in Europe, has helped his side make staggering progress so far since taking over from Michael Beale, and fans will be hoping it is that mentality which carries them through.