Ally McCoist opened up about his ongoing bewilderment regarding Michael Beale’s decisions to exclude key players such as Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, and Tom Lawrence from the European roster earlier in the season. McCoist expressed his confusion, emphasizing the lingering impact of those choices on the team’s performance.
However, the mood at Ibrox has undergone a remarkable transformation since the arrival of Philippe Clement. Describing the change as a “ray of sunlight piercing through the dark clouds,” McCoist highlighted the positive impact of Clement’s leadership. The recent 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague was seen as another significant stride forward for the revitalized Rangers roster.
Speaking on TNT Sport’s live coverage, McCoist couldn’t help but shower praise on the new Rangers boss. Clement, a three-time Belgian league champion, has already secured five victories in his six games in charge, leading to a noticeable shift in the team’s dynamics.
“Rangers have looked a different side,” McCoist exclaimed. “Enthusiasm, ability, determination – guys like (Abdallah) Sima, Cantwell, (Borna) Barisic have had a bit of a lift. Even when Sparta came into the contest in the second half, Rangers were able to ride it out and stood firm where they may have crumbled not long ago.”
However, the conversation took a less positive turn when McCoist revisited Beale’s decision-making during his tenure. The omission of potential match-winners like Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, and Tom Lawrence from the squad before the 5-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in August’s Champions League qualifiers continues to baffle McCoist.
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“It baffles me,” the iconic centre-forward added, highlighting the enduring mystery surrounding Beale’s choices and their impact on Rangers’ European campaign. As the team moves forward under the promising leadership of Philippe Clement, McCoist’s reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges faced and the positive strides taken by the club in recent times.