Philippe Clement refuses to bite as journalist baits Michael Beale Europa League hook
Source: Rangersnews

Incoming Rangers manager Philippe Clement has failed to get drawn into any criticism of Michael Beale over his Europa League squad selection.

The Belgian manager is heading into his first Europa League clash in charge of the Gers against Sparta Prague without a recognised left-back.

It comes with Rangers having lost Croatian international Borna Barisic to injury and Turkish international Ridvan Yilmaz not being in the Europa League squad.

With versatile full-back Dujon Sterling also out of the clash through injury, Philippe Clement has urged his team to find "solutions" to the issue.

But the Rangers manager has also refused to be drawn into making headline grabbing comments surrounding the club's Europa League squad.

Philippe Clement refuses to be drawn into Michael Beale criticism Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Philippe Clement had initially explained that a perfect storm of injuries and the Europa League selection had left Rangers short against Sparta Prague.

"We hope to get Borna back before the weekend or maybe next week," said Clement.

"Of course the timing is really bad because Ridvan is not on this European list, that's a decision made before my time so I cannot do anything about that.

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"Dujon (Sterling) being injured also, so a lot of things come together there."

One journalist smelled blood and asked Philippe Clement if he was "surprised" that Ridvan Yilmaz was left out of the Europa League squad.

But Philippe Clement was savvy enough to talk his way around the question - and address what the reporter was really getting at - by insisting the full focus at Ibrox is on the future.

"Like I said last week, it's a white page, it's a new story for all the players," said Clement.

"Getting their chances; I don't look back what happened a few weeks ago or a few months ago it's not important any more.

"I have a lot, a lot of other things to do for the moment, it's been a very busy week, and I'm focused on the future with this team and not in the past."

Michael Beale explained at the time that Europa League limitations, injuries and a homegrown imbalance forced his hand with the likes of Kieran Dowell joining Ridvan Yilmaz in missing out on the squad.

As Rangers roll into Prague, Philippe Clement will be looking to pick up where Michael Beale left off and get a strong result against Sparta.

All four sides in Group C are currently without tied on three points after two games and this matchday promises to be a pivotal one in the outcome of the group.

This is how we reckon Rangers will look to cope without having a natural left-back available for the match.