Ahead of Rangers' 2-0 away win over Malmo in the Europa League this evening, Philippe Clement offered prescient insight into the 90 minutes ahead during his pre-match interview.
Speaking trackside to broadcaster TNT before kick-off, the Rangers manager was asked about Malmo's pre-game antics – that involved a cheeky social media video, and quips from the manager about his side replicating their score-line against the Ibrox side over a decade ago – and whether or not this would influence his players.
Clement calmly dismissed the idea, while suggesting he and his players will focus only on themselves.
He said: "I don't think the players will be too busy with that because the past is the past, and it's always about the new game.
"For me, it's really important that we focus on ourselves, on what we are doing, making things better, and growing as a team – we're still in that phase with a lot of new faces in the squad.
"So, we're totally focused on ourselves and not on the past."
Philippe Clement is looking to the future instead of the past as Rangers begin their Europa League campaign 💪
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 26, 2024
🎙 @Becky_Ives_ pic.twitter.com/6QZZsHEW9o
A goal inside the first minute from Nedim Bajrami set Rangers on their way in Sweden, before substitute Ross McCausland fired home from range to make it two in the 76th minute.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here