Goldson says Rangers needed Clement’s ‘It is my way or the high way’ approach

In a confession to Philippe Clement, Connor Goldson states that the Rangers must adopt a “it is my way or the high way” mentality. The experienced centre-back is impressed with what he’s seen from the Belgian coach during his first few months in the Ibrox hot seat

When Rangers looked to be in trouble in October, Philippe Clement took over as manager, and in his short time there, he has brought about quite the turnaround. Despite Celtic’s continued dominance in the league rankings, the Ibrox supporters feel that the Scottish Premiership title battle isn’t nearly over after one loss from 18 games across all competitions and improved performances. In addition, after their victory over Aberdeen in December, they now own their first domestic trophy.

Entering his sixth season at Rangers, Goodson feels that things are moving in the right direction because of the strict standards and discipline that Belgian manager Clement has brought to the dressing room. “Definitely,” he said. The club needed someone to come in and say ‘It is my way or the high way’ and I think that is what he has done. He established his rule quite early on, as evidenced by the decisions he has made regarding the squad he wants to play on or not.

This indicates that everyone is pulling in the same direction and is on board. He communicates clearly and effectively and is a wonderful people person in addition to being an excellent man manager. As a player, I believe the only thing you can ask for is honesty. I believe this is the reason he will benefit the most from our club.”

“Really good. He is clear and precise in everything he wants, he demands high standards in everything that we do and 100 per cent in everything that we do. I think he has gained the respect very quickly of the team in every area, tactically, the way he wants to play, discipline around the club, respect for other people and the way he wants you to train. There are no easy days and there are no days where you are able to give, 60, 70, 80 per cent in training. I love that. It is the way that I am and it is something that this place has craved for a long time.”

The 31-year-old has experienced several early season lows under Beale including an embarrassing defeat to Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol. However things have been on the up in recent months with a sensational 3-2 away win over Real Betis securing their place in the Europa League last 16, while they also lifted the Viaplay Cup by defeating Aberdeen at Hampden before Christmas.

Goldson thinks he has the know-how to deal with those contrasting experiences and the emotions that accompany them, after making almost 300 appearances for Rangers, but understands it isn’t as straight forward for some of the Ibrox newbies.Asked to describe the campaign at the halfway stage, he replied: “A rollercoaster. Probably starting with lows then ending with highs and then going back to a low. It sums up my time at this football club. If you don’t win that is how it is going be. If you lose you know how it is going to be, if you win you are on top of the world and you are heroes. You get used to it. I know the demands here. You have to take that into consideration and the longer you have been here I think the easier it gets.

“For the new players, it is more difficult, they probably haven’t seen anything like it before. It has been the same as it is every year, there are ups and downs. We have ended on a positive note, we are in competitions, and we have won a competition, which was a massive signal.

“It had been 18 months since we won our last trophy and we needed that as a group, especially as a new group, to show boys what it is like to win at this place. To get the feel of it, get the taste of it and strive for more in the future.”