Newcastle star who lost the ball 25x was way off his best vs Dortmund

Newcastle United's recent form in domestic competitions has proved that Eddie Howe's side can battle it out with the best teams in England. However, Europe has offered a reality check for the Magpies.

Newcastle lost 1-0 at St. James' Park two weeks ago in the Champions League against Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund and a defeat in the reverse fixture in Germany has left the English side needing to get a result away at Paris Saint-Germain before the month draws to a close.

Howe's men were not at their best at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening, allowing Die Schwarzgelben to win a home and away tie against an English team for the first time since the 1996/97 season.

A number of subpar performances from key players handed Dortmund a comfortable three points and left the Magpies with a mountain to climb to qualify for the next round of the competition.

One star, in particular, had a night to forget under the lights at the Westfalenstadion.

Newcastle United's game in numbers

Dortmund always looked likeliest to win this clash given how the game unfolded. The hosts accumulated an xG of 1.34 on the night from 17 shots fired at Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, while also having two big chances during the match, according to FotMob.

The German giants opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Niclas Fullkrug, whose shot registered an xG of 0.49.

As the Magpies pushed for an equaliser, Dortmund wrapped up the victory 11 minutes from the end with a swift counterattack that Julian Brandt finished off within 14 seconds of the home team regaining possession from an opposition set-piece.

Brandt's left-footed strike into the bottom corner recorded an xG of 0.27. The two goals combined tallied a higher xG than Newcastle United managed in total on the night from ten shots.

The visitors' best chance of the game came from a Tino Livramento cross into the box. Joelinton latched onto the ball with his head but couldn't steer the 0.10 xG chance past Gregor Kobel in the Dortmund net. Newcastle did have more of the ball, with 54% possession, but struggled to break down Dortmund's dogged defensive block and have returned to the North East of England with nothing to show for their efforts.

Kieran Trippier's game in numbers

Kieran Trippier particularly struggled at the Westfalenstadion. It was his poor delivery to the near post from a free-kick that set Borussia Dortmund away on a menacing transition to put the game to bed.

The England international has averaged a 7.15 Sofascore rating this season in all competitions for Newcastle but mustered a lowly 6.7 last night. When digging deeper into his statistics from the defeat, it's easy to see why.

Touches

106

Accurate Passes

63/76 (83%)

Key Passes

1

Expected Assists (xA)

0.14

Tackles

3

Duels Won

3/11

Possession Lost

25x

Dribble Success

0/2

Cross Success

4/11

Stats via Sofascore

From 11 total duels, including eight ground duels and three aerial duels, the 33-year-old lost 73%, including all of his battles in the air. Trippier managed to win just three of his ground duels too. Furthermore, the former Tottenham Hotspur man lost possession 25 times on the night, taking up exactly 19.3% of Newcastle United's total possession losses.

Going forward, the experienced fullback offered little threat too, completing only 36.3% of his crosses, while failing to successfully dribble past a Dortmund defender from two separate attempts. On the flip side, Trippier was dribbled past twice and didn't manage to make a single interception or block any of the opposition's 17 shots on goal.

Trippier – slammed "woeful" by some in the local media – has been one of the most important players for the Magpies in their transition over the past two years from being a side scrapping it out amongst the bottom half of the Premier League table to one fighting in Europe's elite competition. However, when Trippier plays poorly, the rest of the team tends to follow suit and this was certainly a night to forget for him and Howe's side.

Journalist shares news on contract talks with "unplayable" Sunderland star

Sunderland have a number of key players who are vital to their Championship promotion charge, but a key update has emerged over the future of an “unplayable” ace.

Sunderland’s promotion charge

The Black Cats have made an encouraging start to their league season, as they look to go one better than last time around, when they were beaten by Luton Town in the playoffs. On Saturday afternoon, Tony Mowbray’s side drew 0-0 away to Swansea City, and while a point is a solid enough result, they did face 10 men for much of the proceedings, meaning failure to win was a little frustrating.

Sunderland certainly look well-placed to mount another strong promotion tilt this season, but for that to happen, they will need their most important players to keep performing and stay fit, with the matches continuing to come thick and fast in the New Year. Injuries can often been key in any season, so Mowbray will be hoping for good fortune in that department as the weeks and months pass.

There are key players everywhere you look at the Stadium of Light currently, whether it be Anthony Patterson in goal, or Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke outfield, among numerous others, but a worrying update has dropped over the future of one indispensable figure.

Jack Clarke’s Sunderland future

Jack Clarke

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Sunderland are finding it hard to tie Clarke down to a new deal, throwing his future into doubt. He has been offered a pay rise, in order to keep him for as long as possible, but no progress has been made yet. Nixon states that the Black Cats are “struggling” to persuade him to extend his stay at the club, with Brentford one of the sides who are believed to be on “red alert” for his signature, seeing him as an exciting option to bring in.

Clarke has undoubtedly become one of the first names on Mowbray’s team sheet these days, and in general since arriving from Tottenham in 2022, providing so much quality in the final third and performing with such consistency. A class act, Clarke’s statistics so far this season highlight what a strong campaign he is having, with nine goals coming his way in just 15 Championship appearances.

If the 22-year-old was to suddenly leave for a Premier League club midway through the season, it could have a massive impact on Sunderland’s promotion hopes, and even if next summer is when the interest emerges, it would still be a huge setback to see him move on.

Jack Clarke's Sunderland stats

Total

Appearances

86

Goals

21

Assists

19

The lure of moving to the top flight is clearly great for many players, so it is understandable why Clarke’s head could potentially be turned, and Adrian Clarke has described him as an “unplayable” footballer in the past. Clarke's Sunderland deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, meaning the Black Cats are in a strong bargaining position to demand big money for one of their star men, but it would still be preferable to see him remain at the club for years to come.

Everton: £24m Silva flop has bagged 54 goals & 25 assists since leaving Goodison

While Everton may be an exception to the rule, when comes it to the Premier League, players who up and leave the Netherlands for pastures new in the English top flight often succeed.

Obvious examples from the past of Dennis Bergkamp at Arsenal and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United show Dutch talents taking to the pressures of English football like a duck to water, whilst the modern day sees figures such as Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Micky van der Ven and more excel away from their homeland when clubs such as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur swoop in.

cristian-romero-micky-van-de-ven-spurs-opinion

Still, other players from Holland haven't quite taken to Premier League life quite so swimmingly, as those at Goodison Park have found out in the recent past.

When did Davy Klaassen join Everton?

Davy Klaassen would join the Toffees before the 2017/18 season commenced, purchased by the then-Everton manager – and his compatriot – Ronald Koeman for a £24m transfer fee.

Ronald-koeman-everton

Klaassen had been a consistent performer for Ajax in the Eredivisie before Everton purchased the midfielder, scoring 43 goals for the Amsterdam-based giants over four seasons.

During the 2016/17 campaign, Klaassen would notch up double digits in the league for Ajax which must've alerted the Merseysiders into signing him – assisting ten goals, on top of scoring 14.

These goal contributions wouldn't be enough for Ajax to lift the Eredivisie title, however, pipped to the league crown by one point with rivals Feyenoord champions.

He would join Everton therefore to test himself outside of his native Netherlands, a move that turned out to be disastrous for the attacking midfielder.

How many goals did Davy Klaassen score for Everton?

Klaassen barely featured for the Toffees after joining the club, only managing 249 minutes in total playing in the Premier League for the Merseysiders.

Everton changing manager from Koeman to Sam Allardyce saw Klaassen frozen completely out of the team, whilst Marco Silva's introduction as boss didn't make things any better for the Dutchman – the ex-Ajax man not playing a Premier League match at all between 22nd of September 2017 to the 10th of March 2018.

In his troubled time with the club, Klaassen wouldn't register a single goal or assist.

Werder Bremen would come in and save the midfielder from Liverpool by purchasing him in the summer of 2018, Everton taking a hit in the process by selling the midfielder for a reported fee of £12m.

Where is Davy Klaassen now?

Joining Werder Bremen saw Klaassen rebuild his career in the immediate aftermath of his dire spell with Everton, scoring five goals and assisting five goals in his first season with the German outfit.

He would better this in his second and final season in Bremen, scoring seven times and assisting six goals.

A reunion with Ajax would come up after this, rejoining the Dutch club in 2020 and performing to the peak of his powers once more on home soil.

It's here where the attacking midfielder further rescued his somewhat faltering career in the wake of the doomed move to the Toffees, scoring a further 38 goals for Ajax to cement himself as a true great at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Turbulent times at the Amsterdam club recently – which has seen matches abandoned due to crowd trouble and the Dutch superpower drop to 16th in the Eredivisie – has also seen the 30-year-old move on again.

This time, he's opted for the Serie A with Inter Milan – having now racked up 54 goals and 25 assists since departing Goodison just over five years ago.

It'll be interesting to see if the 30-year-old can perform under pressure now in Italy, but there's no doubting the fact he's resurrected his career since everything went pear-shaped in Merseyside.

Poch must unleash "complete" 6 ft 4 Chelsea star over Disasi

A blockbuster London derby takes centre stage this evening as Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea.

The Blues have only won two of their last seven matches in the Premier League as injuries to several key players, including Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwill, have curtailed their early season hopes.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have been in imperious form since the arrival of Ange Postecoglu and remain the only side in the division to have their unbeaten record intact.

Postecoglu's unstoppable duo of Heung-min Son and James Maddison will be looking to cause further damage this evening by adding to their 17 goal contributions between them in the league.

They face a Chelsea defence that is only behind Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United for expected goals against (xGA), as per Understat.

One man who has featured heavily in Mauricio Pochettino's backline this term is centre-back Axel Disasi.

Axel Disasi's season in numbers

Disasi arrived for £38.8m from Monaco in the summer and has since established himself in the Argentine's plans, featuring in nine of their ten Premier League fixtures.

The 25-year-old has impressed with his ability to carry the ball out of defence and make killer passes through the thirds, complementing his 50% dribble success rate with a 92% pass completion, as per Sofascore.

With Pochettino deploying a possession-based style that requires patience in their pursuit to exploit gaps, Disasi's elegance and ability on the ball have played a vital role in the Blues build-up phase.

In their match against Tottenham this evening, however, Chelsea will likely have to surrender possession and set-up to hit Spurs on the counter-attack.

Given the threat posed by the hosts through the devastating Son and Maddison, the Frenchman will need to be on the ball defensively.

Unfortunately, the £80k per-week titan hasn't performed particularly well in a defensive capacity, ranking in the bottom 8% against his positional peers in the Premier League this term for interceptions, bottom 10% for blocks and bottom 1% for tackles, as per FBref.

That said, Pochettino could ruthlessly ditch Disasi for his former Monaco teammate, Benoit Badiashile, this evening.

Benoit Badiashile's Chelsea career in numbers

Badiashile capped his return from injury in style with a goal against Blackburn Rovers that sealed Chelsea's place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

It was a goal that meant everything, not just for the Blues, but for a player who had suffered an injury-ravaged spell and had been forced to watch on from the sidelines since May.

Benoit Badiashile 22/23

Stats per 90

Axel Disasi 23/24

1.39

Tackles

0.57

1.59

Interceptions

0.46

0.99

Tackles (Def 3rd)

0.23

3.48

Aerials won

2.52

0.90

Fouls committed

0.57

7.56

Ball recoveries

5.50

3.38

Clearances

2.75

All stats via FBref.

Lauded as a "complete defender" by his former Monaco coach Nelson Caldeira for his ice-cold temperament, ability with the ball at his feet and exceptional tackling ability, the 22-year-old has combined those three attributes to leave a lasting impression at Chelsea.

Whilst his ball-playing abilities are a vital cog in Pochettino's machine, they will be compromised against Tottenham with the likelihood that the visitors will need to do a lot of defending, and that is where Badiashile's freak physical attributes could come into play.

Benoit Badiashile Chelsea

The two-cap France international showcased with his performances last term that he has the edge over Disasi in a defensive capacity when comparing their respective statistics in the Premier League (table above).

With the likes of Son and Maddison terrorising their back line, Chelsea will need to be organised at the back and by taking the above statistics into account, 6 foot 4 Badiashile has demonstrated that he's the better all-round defender than Disasi and could be the better option to combat the hosts attacking prowess.

Man Utd want Joselu! Ex-Stoke City forward targeted for 'Premier League experience' as current Real Madrid man included in Red Devils' plans for Rasmus Hojlund

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are considering a summer move for Real Madrid forward Joselu thanks to his Premier League experience.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Man Utd want to sign Joselu
  • Striker would be a back-up to Hojlund
  • Real Madrid also looking to sign permanently
  • Getty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Two English scouts reportedly spoke with the Real Madrid striker's representatives a few weeks ago to inquire about his circumstances, according to . The plan would be for him to come to Old Trafford as an experienced backup striker for Rasmus Hojlund. He has already been performing well in his role at Real Madrid and a similar role could suit him in the Premier League.

  • Advertisement

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Hojlund had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford with the Danish striker having failed to score for the first three months in the Premier League, however, since then Hojlund hit a goalscoring streak in the league for the Red Devils and has settled in well until his injury ruled him out of action. The club believe that Joselu could provide the perfect support for the 21-year-old on and off the field, especially given his experience in the Premier League. The Spaniard spent a combined three years in the English top flight playing for Stoke City and Newcastle United.

  • (C)Getty images

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Despite Joselu currently playing with Real Madrid, he is still contracted with Espanyol, who are in the second division of Spanish football. It has been reported that Los Blancos have already made the decision to sign 34-year-old but movement from the Premier League side could disrupt the future plans.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • WHAT NEXT FOR JOSELU?

    Joselu has just rejoined training with Carlo Ancelotti's side after the commencement of his international duties with the Spanish national team. He will likely remain as a substitute when Real Madrid take on Athletic Club on March 31.

Pundit says Levy could accept "huge" offer to make Spurs "even better"

Whilst Tottenham Hotspur aren't the richest club in the Premier League, they, unlike sides such as Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, have kept hold of their unbeaten run at the start of the season. And, although it is still early days, Daniel Levy will be delighted with the start that the Lilywhites have made under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

Their blistering start, which has seen them defeat Manchester United and Liverpool along the way, may well attract interest away from the pitch, too. The latest Spurs takeover news certainly suggests that could be the case, and one pundit believes that Levy and Joe Lewis could accept an offer, should it come their way.

Spurs takeover news

Football – Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal Barclays Premier League – White Hart Lane – 2/10/11 ENIC International Limited Owner Joe Lewis (L) and Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy in the stands Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Paul Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Pleas

So far this season, it has been Manchester United at the centre of a potential takeover in the Premier League, with the Red Devils yet to get their wish of a new era away from the Glazer family. But, the latest Spurs takeover news has suggested that a fresh twist could emerge. According to The Mirror, Sheikh Jassim could reignite his interest in Tottenham after failing in his bid to buy Manchester United. Jassim met with Levy earlier this year to talk about a potential investment, before moving on to United, now, he could make his return to the bidding table in London.

Speaking to Football Insider about the potential takeover of Spurs, former Lilywhites defender Alan Hutton said:

“When it comes to Tottenham and Daniel Levy, the owners have been there such a long time, would there come a point where they think about selling up? Probably. The owners have done excellently since they have been at the club, you look at the work Levy has done, it’s amazing.

"Talking about trophies and stuff it could be better. Is the next level for them a move like this? Possibly, to then really go and try to make this squad even better than it already is. It will be an interesting one. I think Daniel Levy and Joe Lewis would listen to all sorts of offers and then consider them, especially if it meets their huge asking price.”

How much is Sheikh Jassim worth?

If Spurs were to be bought by Jassim, they would likely be getting one of the richest owners in the Premier League. Jassim's worth is reportedly around $275 billion (£226bn). That level of money could be a game-changer for the North London club, who may finally have the opportunity to join the likes of Manchester City in a consistent hunt for silverware, picking up plenty along the way.

As things stand, however, Spurs remain firmly in the control of Lewis and Levy, with any talk of a takeover incredibly early. If Jassim still wants to buy a Premier League club, then the Lilywhites may be on high alert, alongside other top sides in English football. With that in mind, it could be an incredibly interesting few months in the top flight, potentially ending with the sale of Spurs in the future.

'Grande orgulho', ressalta Autuori apesar da eliminação do Athletico-PR

MatériaMais Notícias

Cair diante do River Plate por 1 a 0 na última terça-feira (1) pela Copa Libertadores não abalou o contentamento do técnico Paulo Autuori na entrevista coletiva ao falar sobre como encarou o desempenho da equipe do Athletico-PR em meio ao complexo contexto da eliminatória.

Para ele, em situação normal o sorteio já indicava o grau de dificuldade em enfrentar o atual vice-campeão da América, algo que acabou fortemente potencializado pelos casos de Covid-19 que “lotaram” a lista de desfalques do Furacão.

-No sorteio, já sabíamos das dificuldades que era enfrentar o River. Depois, as coisas se agravaram em função dos problemas causados pela Covid-19, mas nada de lamentações. O orgulho é grande – entendeu o treinador.

Já pensando no restante da temporada, Autuori avaliou que o confronto diante do River demonstrou a variedade de peças com as quais ele pode contar pensando, principalmente, em mirar uma vaga na Libertadores 2021 via Campeonato Brasileiro:

-Existem partidas em que você não ganha, mas existem dentro da partidas pequenas vitórias. Hoje, tivemos muitas pequenas vitórias, dentre as quais a atuação do Bento, a atuação do (Lucas) Halter também e a atuação de jogadores com mais experiência, como Lucho (González), Walter, Thiago (Heleno), Pedro (Henrique), Wellington… Demonstraram, acima de tudo, a coesão do grupo.Acreditamos que temos um grupo de jogadores que, independente do 11 que começarem o jogo, nos dá a garantia de serem competitivos e lutarem, dentro do Campeonato Brasileiro, por uma possível classificação para uma competição como a Libertadores. Não é um caminho fácil, é longo, árduo e difícil, mas o que demonstramos nos dá tranquilidade em relação ao futuro.

RelacionadasLibertadoresRiver Plate bate Athletico e avança às quartas de final na LibertadoresLibertadores01/12/2020Futebol LatinoSem clube, Joffre Guerrón se aventura em nova carreira; ConfiraFutebol Latino30/11/2020BrasileirãoRony faz valer a ‘lei do ex’, e Palmeiras vence o Athletico-PRBrasileirão28/11/2020

Australia pick uncapped teenagers Wareham, Vlaeminck for NZ T20Is

Duo were part of the national performance squad programme over the winter; Jess Jonassen misses out due to knee injury

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2018Australia women have picked two uncapped teenagers for their three-match T20I series against New Zealand women at home. Georgia Wareham, the Victoria legspinner, and fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, both 19 years of age, were named in a 13-player squad, led by Meg Lanning. The series will serve as preparation for the Women’s World T20 in the West Indies in November. Jess Jonassen, the experienced left-arm spinner, missed out after sustaining a knee injury in an internal trial match on the Gold Coast this week.Australia women squad

Meg Lanning (capt), Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

“There’s no doubt it’s a big jump up to the international stage, but both Tayla and Georgia have come through the National Performance Squad programme over the winter,” Lanning said. “I’m really confident that’s prepared them very well to come into our side and really contribute.”Wareham has been a part of the national performance squad for some time now, and has played in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she turns out for the Melbourne Renegades. Vlaeminck has had to endure a rough road to the national side, having undergone two knee reconstruction procedures, and a dislocated shoulder. She spent the last season recovering from a second ACL injury.”It’s pleasing to see young players, such as Georgia and Tayla, putting their hand up for selection,” Shawn Flegler, the national selector, said. “Whilst they haven’t played a lot of domestic cricket, Georgia has represented the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL, and both players have come through the player pathway, having taken part in the inaugural overseas under-19 tour and been a part of the national performance squad this winter.”We’re really fortunate with the depth we have, in particular in the leg-spin department, and we feel that Georgia provides the full package that is required for T20 cricket – she’s an outstanding fielder, and her bowling has really progressed over the last 12 months.”Australia v Pakistan in Malaysia

Oct 18: 1st ODI, Kinrara Oval
Oct 20: 2nd ODI, Kinrara Oval
Oct 22: 3rd ODI, Kinrara Oval
Oct 25: 1st T20I, Kinrara Oval
Oct 27: 2nd T20I, Kinrara Oval
Oct 29: 3rd T20I, Kinrara Oval

“Tayla is a little bit different to anyone else around the country. She’s been unlucky with injury over the last few years, but she’s come back and has performed at the right time. Tayla has the attributes to be that key strike bowler who can take early wickets. She’s young and competitive.”Even as they welcome new talent into the side, Australia will be sweating over the fitness of Jonassen. With 58 caps, the 25-year-old Jonassen, who is the No. 7-ranked T20I bowler in the world, is one of Australia’s most experienced players and could have a big role to play in the World T20.However, she is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery, which puts her participation in the tournament in doubt. Team physiotherapist Kate Mahony said that the procedure, which is set to take place later in the week, will present a clearer picture regarding the timeframe for a potential return.Australia and New Zealand face off in three T20Is, beginning on September 29 in Sydney. Brisbane and Canberra are scheduled to host the other two matches. In October, they fly to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to face Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20Is.

Revealed: The surprising source of Dani Alves' €1m bail payment as ex-Barcelona defender leaves prison following rape conviction

Dani Alves was able to pay his bail to secure his release from prison after receiving a €1 million payment from an unusual source, a report says.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Dani Alves released from prisonHad to pay €1 million in bailMagazine said to have paid the feeWHAT HAPPENED?

After 13 months in jail, the Brazilian former defender was released on Monday after paying the necessary fee. Alves faces a a four-and-a-half year prison sentence after being found guilty of rape, but was allowed to bail himself out while he appeals the conviction.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With his funds tied up, the ex-Barcelona star was expected to struggle to match the figure, but Spanish journalist Marisa Martin Blazquez has told that a Brazilian magazine agreed to bail him out in exchange for an interview with him. The agreement, the journalist claims, comes with a number of terms, including the interview being made as a video report, while his ex-wife Joana Sanz will also have to be involved.

DID YOU KNOW?

Before his bail was paid, it had been claimed that former Brazil team-mate Neymar's father would give Alves the money, but he issued a statement denying such reports. After his release, Alves is said to have held a lavish party at his home in Catalonia.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR DANI ALVES?

The 40-year-old will appeal against his conviction in order to avoid serving the prison term he has been sentenced to. He was found guilty of raping a 23-year-old woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.

Clement misses out on Rangers backroom target after behind-scenes "talks"

Rangers boss Philippe Clement held talks over a very interesting addition to his backroom at Ibrox, but he's ultimately fallen short.

Rangers' fire start under Clement

Life is looking pretty sweet again after the sacking of former boss Michael Beale, as the Gers' popular new manager guides them on an impressive unbeaten run.

Since Clement took over last month, the Glasgow giants are yet to lose a single game in all competitions, most recently taking a big stride towards the Europa League knockout stages while also booking a Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen at Hampden in December.

Rangers next take on Livingston at The Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday, with Clement's side looking like sure-fire favourites to taste another Scottish Premiership victory and potentially close the gap on frontrunners Celtic. Speaking shortly after his arrival in Scotland, Clement spoke of his ambition to "win everything", but insists there will still be bumps along the way.

"Firstly, I want to win everything. You want to win every competition you play," said Clement to Sky Sports.

"Secondly, regarding the gap [to Celtic], it's important we focus on ourselves and important we focus on what we have to do to become better, get more points, play better football, get the fans behind the team and get a better dynamic again.

"It's important to not look too far ahead about what could happen in six months. It's about now, the next weeks and the next months. Week by week we need to build the story.

"There will be some bumps on the way, but we need to stay confident and to grow more with the team. We need to give everyone a clear idea of what they have to do on the pitch, to help them do the right things and grow as a team."

So far, the former Club Brugge and Monaco boss is delivering on his goal with wins aplenty, and he also spoke of the importance behind his backroom.

Clement held Robbie Neilson talks

Sharing an interesting revelation on X, ESPN journalist Mark Donaldson claims Clement attempted to appoint Robbie Neilson as his number two before ultimately settling on Stephan Van Der Heyden. The pair apparently held behind-the-scenes "talks" over this number two role at Ibrox, but it appears Clement ultimately fell short, as the former Hearts boss elected to join the New Tampa Bay Rowdies in America.

Neilson would've made for an interesting appointment, but also an understandable one, as his years coaching Hearts as first team manager displays his proven experience.

Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.

The 43-year-old left Tynecastle after a slump in form, but did attract praise from ex-Gers manager Beale for his excellent job beforehand.

“Robbie has been going great guns with Hearts,” said Beale on Neilson in Febuary.

“I honestly believe that European group-stage football really kicks you up a notch. You play teams outside of Scotland and bring the belief back. You see different things and once you have smelled that and tasted it, it is something you want again. It is no surprise to me why their form has been really good. Robbie has done a good job in both times he has been at Hearts.

"He is probably one the SFA have got eyes on down the road as well.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus