A recent viral thread comparing Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers has ignited a heated debate among football fans. With both managers currently leading the two biggest clubs in Scottish football—Rangers and Celtic—the discussion is more relevant than ever.
Many fans believe that Clement, despite his shorter tenure in Scotland, has already outperformed Rodgers in key areas, making him a superior manager. Here’s a deep dive into the arguments fueling this debate.
1. Tactical Flexibility vs. Stubborn Philosophy
One of the biggest criticisms of Brendan Rodgers is that he stubbornly sticks to his tactical philosophy, regardless of opposition or match conditions. His teams play possession-based football, often dominating domestically, but this approach has been exposed in European competition and against well-organized opponents.
Philippe Clement, on the other hand, is praised for his adaptability. He modifies tactics depending on the opponent, shifting between formations and styles to exploit weaknesses. Rangers under Clement have shown a balanced approach, capable of playing expansive football but also willing to grind out results when needed.
🔹 Advantage: Clement—his flexibility makes Rangers more unpredictable and difficult to play against.
2. Game Management & In-Game Adjustments
A major frustration among Celtic fans has been Rodgers’ reluctance to make early tactical changes when things aren’t going well. He often waits too long to introduce substitutes or tweak his system, leading to missed opportunities or dropped points.
Clement, by contrast, has demonstrated excellent game management since arriving at Rangers. He is quick to react to match situations, making early substitutions and adjusting tactics mid-game to turn things around.
For example, in several matches this season, Rangers have come from behind to secure results due to Clement’s decisive in-game coaching. Rodgers, meanwhile, has been criticized for passivity in difficult moments.
🔹 Advantage: Clement—his ability to adjust on the fly gives Rangers an edge in tight matches.
3. European Performances: Rodgers’ Achilles Heel?
Rodgers’ record in European competitions has been a consistent weak spot. While he has dominated domestically with Celtic, his teams have frequently struggled against higher-level European opponents. His Celtic side has suffered heavy defeats in the Champions League, and his record at Leicester in the Europa League was also mixed.
Clement, however, has proven his ability to compete in Europe. During his time at Club Brugge, he took the Belgian side to the Champions League knockout stages, despite being in a group with Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig, and Manchester City. This demonstrates that he knows how to set up a team to punch above its weight in Europe.
With Rangers, Clement has already secured impressive European results, while Rodgers’ Celtic has struggled in this season’s Champions League.
🔹 Advantage: Clement—his European track record suggests he’s more capable of handling continental football.
4. Player Development & Improving the Squad
Both managers have experience developing young talent, but Clement’s recent impact at Rangers has been particularly impressive. He has revitalized players like Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima, both of whom were struggling before he arrived. Under his management, Rangers have looked more composed and structured, with several players showing significant improvement.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has a mixed record in player development. During his first spell at Celtic, he helped improve stars like Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor, and Moussa Dembélé, but his current tenure has not yet produced the same level of progress. Many Celtic players have looked out of form or stagnated under his guidance this season.
🔹 Advantage: Clement—he has made a bigger immediate impact in improving his squad.
5. Handling Pressure & Big-Game Mentality
Both Rodgers and Clement have experience managing big clubs with demanding fanbases, but Clement’s calm and composed demeanor under pressure has won him admirers.
Rodgers, at times, comes across as defensive or dismissive when criticized, and his handling of pressure—especially in Europe or against stronger domestic rivals—has been questioned. His failure to adapt in high-pressure games has frustrated Celtic fans, particularly in matches against Rangers and European opposition.
Clement, however, has been consistent and level-headed, handling media pressure well and instilling confidence in his team. His Rangers squad looks mentally stronger compared to previous versions under previous managers like Michael Beale or Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
🔹 Advantage: Clement—he seems to have a steadier hand in dealing with pressure.
Final Verdict: Is Clement Better Than Rodgers?
While Brendan Rodgers is an experienced and decorated manager, the viral discussion suggests that Philippe Clement may already be proving himself as a better fit for modern Scottish football.
Here’s a quick summary of where each manager excels:
Category Advantage
Tactical Flexibility Clement
In-Game Adjustments Clement
European Performance Clement
Player Development Clement
Handling Pressure Clement
Domestic Success Rodgers (historically)
Celtic fans may still back Rodgers due to his past success at the club, but if he doesn’t improve in key areas—especially in big games and Europe—many will continue questioning if Clement is the superior manager.
One thing is certain: Scottish football has an exciting managerial rivalry on its hands. Whether Clement continues to outperform Rodgers will be revealed as the season unfolds, particularly in the next Old Firm clash.
What do you think? Is Philippe Clement the better manager, or does Brendan Rodgers deserve more credit?
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