Former Rangers manager Philippe Clement has sent shockwaves across the footballing world after delivering a fiery 10-minute interview just days after being abruptly sacked by the Scottish giants. The Belgian tactician, who was contracted with the club until 2028, expressed his outrage at the decision and issued a bold demand for full financial compensation every last euro of his contract.
Clement, appointed in late 2023 following was widely seen as the man to restore Rangers’ domestic dominance and lead a resurgence in Europe. Despite a promising start, a string of inconsistent performances and reported dressing room tensions led to his shocking dismissal in 2025.
However, it wasn’t the sacking itself that stunned fans and pundits it was Clement’s brutally honest reaction.
Speaking to reporter, Clement didn’t hold back.
“I gave everything for this club,” he said, visibly emotional. “I moved my entire life to Glasgow. I lived and breathed Rangers. And to be treated like this? It’s unacceptable.”
He continued:
“They want to get rid of me overnight, fine. But then they will pay every euro they owe me every single one until 2028. I signed a long-term deal because I believed in this project. If they’re going to abandon it, they must face the consequences.”
Sources close to the club suggest Clement’s contract was worth approximately €2.5 million per year, with a complex bonus structure tied to league finishes, European progress, and domestic cup success. If his demand is met, the total payout could exceed €10 million.
Rangers, meanwhile, have remained tight-lipped on the financial terms of Clement’s departure, merely releasing a brief statement thanking him for his services and wishing him well. However, behind the scenes, tensions appear to be mounting. According to insiders, the club had been negotiating a reduced severance package, which Clement flatly rejected before going public.
The fallout has dominated headlines in Scotland and across Europe. While some fans sympathize with Clement, others believe his results did not justify the faith shown in him by the board.
One of the popular Scottish Pundit says : “It’s a tough one. Clement’s a good coach, no doubt. But football’s a results business. If you don’t deliver, you pay the price. That said, if the contract says 2028, he’s within his rights to ask for that money.”
The legal battle could become a protracted affair, with sports lawyers already analyzing the fine print of Clement’s contract. According to one expert, if Rangers didn’t include a performance-based termination clause, they could be liable for the full amount.
“This is a classic case of club vs coach, and the outcome depends entirely on the contract details,” said UK-based sports lawyer Richard Hamilton. “If Clement has the right legal grounds, he could walk away with a massive payout.”
Clement’s interview has also sparked debate over long-term managerial contracts in modern football. With top clubs now quick to fire underperforming managers, many question the wisdom of multi-year deals that can leave clubs financially exposed.
As for Clement, he remains defiant. “This isn’t about money,” he insisted during the interview. “It’s about respect. About principles. You don’t treat people like this.”
Whether Rangers and Clement will settle the matter quietly or engage in a public legal battle remains to be seen. One thing, however, is certain Clement may be out of a job, but he’s far from done making headlines.
