Kenny Dalglish has backed Philippe Clement to be a big success at Rangers, but he has urged to the club to give him time.
The Belgian took over at Ibrox last week and yesterday recorded his first win as manager as Gers defeated Hibernian 4-0 at Ibrox.
A busy schedule is now ahead for Clement and his players with Europa League fixtures and domestic action coming thick and fast.
Dalglish expects the 49-year-old to be a success in Govan, but he believes patience now will pay off in the future.
Dalglish wrote in the Sunday Post: “There is a level of expectancy on Philippe Clement’s shoulders to deliver the League Cup. Given that Celtic are out of the tournament and Michael Beale led Rangers to the semi-final, it’s understandable they are clear favourites to win it.
“If he wins the League Cup, all the better for Gers. It will make them all feel much better about themselves and feel they are very much on the right road. But it’s not about the next 10 weeks for Rangers and Philippe. It’s about the next two or three years. Winning cups is nice and it’s a fine achievement.
“However, everyone knows the ultimate aim is to overtake Celtic and become League Champions. Given the lead Brendan Rodgers and his players already have a the top of the table, it’s hard to see Rangers lifting the title in May. The Parkhead squad is stronger and there is a winning mentality all around that club. They have delivered success year after year after year. They do not look as if they are going to stop doing that any time soon.
“So, Rangers may well just need to be patient and keep chipping away at them, trying to make inroads. But the time for talking is now over and it’s time for action. Philippe is well aware that he needs to win games. That is all that matters. If you can do that with flair and style, then all the better. He just needs to show proper progress in the next seven or eight months. But he needs to be given time. It would be totally unfair for people to be calling for his head during that period.
“It will also be interesting to see what kind of funds Philippe is given to spend in January and next summer. There might not be much to play with. We will need to wait and see, but it’s an important factor.
“Graeme Souness assisted the Rangers board in the selection process and that was a smart move. Graeme was a successful Gers manager and knows what it takes. He still has the club at heart and wants to see them winning every week. It’s a positive sign from chairman John Bennett and chief executive James Bisgrove that they are willing to take outside opinions.”
