Philippe Clement reveals the Rangers day one chat with James Tavernier that left him in NO doubt he’s the man to lead

Tavernier has had his critics but Clement reckons he couldn’t have asked for a better captain than the right-back.

The future of James Tavernier as Rangers captain was one of the topics Philippe Clement had to deal with during his first questioning from the Scottish media.

The question was dismissed with what has come to be known as the Ibrox gaffer’s signature Belgian bluntness. We were unaware at the time that the recently hired manager had already seated his skipper for a personal grilling. All Clement needed to know from the responses he received was that he had really met a man he could collaborate with. The enormous progress Rangers have achieved in the nine weeks subsequently have been made possible by the trust established that day, with the right-back serving as an amplifier on the pitch for the instructions Clement has delivered from the dugout.

And on Sunday, Tavernier once again gave the correct response. His victorious Viaplay Cup Final goal against Aberdeen was the ideal response to those who argue that the Englishman should lose his armband whenever everything goes wrong. The 31-year-old shut down his critics with the same forceful attitude that his manager used to suppress inquiries over the captaincy with his newfound joyous swing.

“If he’s not appreciated by people, I don’t know why,” said Clement as he was again quizzed on Tavernier yesterday. “But he was appreciated by me from the very first day.

“What I observed, his demeanor, and his actions both on and off the field. That is the most crucial factor. The first man I spoke with upon entering this building was him. It was crucial for me to sense what was happening and to learn those things quickly so that I could act quickly to make changes.

“After a pretty candid conversation, James and a few other men have become my right hand both on the field and in this building. Therefore, having players who are aware of the narrative on the field is crucial. Not just the tactical narrative, but also the rationale behind your choices and modifications.

They now realize that I will rotate eight players to keep each player performing at their peak. You have to clarify every single item at the outset. These people must therefore undoubtedly comprehend and set a good example.

“Connor Goldson also missed a game a few weeks earlier. However, he was prepared to help the squad and his behavior did not change whether he started or stopped. And those factors are crucial for a team of players.

The accusation against Tav is he’s not cast from the same chest-beating mould of former Ibrox captains like Richard Gough and Terry Butcher. That’s true, but then neither of those legendary leaders scored a goal or laid one on at an average of one every 1.9 games. With 115 strikes and 112 assists from 431 appearances, Tavernier leads by his attacking deeds – although Clement hopes he takes just as much pride in his defensive ones.

The Ibrox boss said: “He has incredible stats. But what’s important for me is that he doesn’t only play to get stats. His first job is to be a defender so he needs to see we defend well. Only then can the attacking part come. But I like to play with offensive full-backs and the best example of that is the cup final, where our left-back (Borna Barisic) gives the cross on the goal line and the other full-back scores the goal.

“We’ve a lot of those situations but we need to defend also. That’s why the clean sheets are also really important. It’s about keeping a good balance. But yes, the fact he does it every year is impressive because it’s with different managers, different team-mates and different circumstances.”

It’s Tavernier’s consistency that’s blocked Dujon Sterling’s path to his preferred right-back berth since signing from Stoke City last summer. But an injury crisis in midfield has opened up the door for the young Londoner and he’s jumped at the chance, performing impressively as a half-time sub in last week’s win over Real Betis before claiming Man of the Match at Hampden.

If some have been taken aback by his performances, Clement is not one of them. “Maybe not the best word to use, as I expected it based on what I saw in training,” he stated. I’ve already informed the team that he will play a major role in my plans.

Can he stay in midfield for the long run? To be honest, it can be wherever on the field. I questioned him about his ability to play goalie. But we have sufficient quality goalkeepers! However, he is also a capable winger. I’m certain. It will be crucial for Dujon to gain experience and grow.

When the Gers play the first of their two remaining games against the Hoops at home against St Johnstone tonight, they want to cut Celtic’s lead down to two points. Sterling should have another chance to play. “I always want a team that plays intense football, that presses, and with players who are always available and making a lot of runs without the ball,” Clement continued, adding that others will get their time. That means you have to be completely fit. We will require the entire squad, and I will deploy the individuals who demonstrate their readiness.