Rangers manager Philippe Clement didn’t hold back when discussing Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers’ performance in Sunday’s Scottish Premier League clash against Celtic.
Clement was openly critical of Dessers’ poor finishing, hammering that the striker must sharpen his skills in front of goal, Footballrover reports.
Dessers, who played the full 90 minutes, only managed to muster up two shots during the game—both of which failed to hit the back of the net.
Clement made it clear that those missed opportunities were crucial, especially in a high-stakes match like this one.
Celtic took full advantage of Rangers’ misfires, cruising to a 3-0 victory with goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Callum McGregor.
FULL-TIME: Celtic 3-0 Rangers pic.twitter.com/AJgcH7VvTh
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 1, 2024
The match began to slip away from Rangers as early as the 17th minute when Bernardo’s pass found Alistair Johnston, who set up Maeda for the opener.
The Hoops doubled their lead just before halftime with Furuhashi’s clinical finish from 25 yards, taking advantage of keeper Jack Butland’s questionable positioning.
Rangers had a glimmer of hope right after the break when Ross McCausland dispossessed Bernardo and set up Dessers for what could have been a game-changing moment.
But Dessers’ effort was thwarted by Schmeichel, and John Souttar’s subsequent attempt was also blocked.
Celtic’s dominance was sealed in the 75th minute when McGregor burst forward, created space with a deft body swerve, and curled a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, leaving Rangers reeling.
In his post-match remarks, Clement didn’t mince words, stating that Dessers must learn to be more clinical.
He pointed out that converting just one of those early chances could have shifted the game’s momentum in Rangers’ favor.
Clement admitted that they started the game strongly, dominating possession in the first ten minutes and creating two excellent chances, with Cyriel finding himself free in front of goal and Rabbi having a free header.
“So you need to be clinical in those games, and to come in front changes the momentum. It would have helped the team a lot to go in front there,” Clement said.
As the international break looms, Dessers, Leon Balogun, and the rest of the Rangers squad will have plenty to reflect on after this crushing defeat.
🎙️ Philippe Clement spoke to @RangersTV after today's match against Celtic. pic.twitter.com/Rj3oJSoi6K
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 1, 2024
Heads are undoubtedly hanging low, and the pressure to bounce back will be immense when they return to league action.
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