Billy Dodds says Clement needs to streamline his responses and produce results quickly
Aberdeen’s explosive start, according to Billy Dodds, is a testament to Jimmy Thelin’s calm leadership abilities.
However, Philippe Clement, his Ibrox counterpart, may be set to talk himself into a scenario he can’t escape, according to the former Dons and Rangers forward. A dismal start to the current campaign has left the under-pressure Govan manager clinging to his job.
It was the most recent in a series of dubious statements made by the Belgian following the setbacks this season. He tried to explain his team’s poor 3-0 derby performance at Celtic Park by quoting the shooting statistics. He seemed unconvincing as he rattled off about the promise of his youthful team after losing to Kilmarnock.
He even griped about a Ross McCausland goal being cut off because to a toenail offside call on Wednesday. A support that has reached a breaking point is not impressed by any of that.
“When I heard the manager’s interview the other night, it was a worry. I was just waiting on something like, ‘I’ve got to do better, I’ll sort it out’, or ‘we’ll work harder in training’ or anything like that. But there’s no finger pointing, it’s just the same every week – excuses.
“He probably elaborated too long after the game. If it was me, I’d have tried to keep my comments simple. But it looks as if he’s trying to find a way to appease the fans.”
That’s something Thelin doesn’t have to worry about. He’s got the Dons faithful hanging on his every word after an astonishing 16-game unbeaten run since taking over.
The other night, I was concerned when I heard about the manager’s interview. Something along the lines of “we’ll work harder in training,” “I’ve got to do better, I’ll sort it out,” or something similar was what I was expecting for. But no one is pointing fingers; the reasons are the same each week.
He most likely went into too much detail after the game. If it had been me, I would have made an effort to keep my remarks brief. But he seems to be looking for a method to please the fans.
But Thelin doesn’t need to worry about that. With an incredible 16-game winning streak since taking charge, the Dons supporters are waiting for him to say anything.
Thelin may be keeping schtum but Dodds can see how his impressive start has left Clement with some explaining to do. While the Rangers boss claims his new-look side needs time to bed in, Thelin’s own overhauled Reds have simply raced ahead.
He said: “Jimmy Thelin had to build a team in the summer, he lost his best player in Bojan Miovski. That ain’t helping Philippe Clement.
“He’s coming out and saying the rebuild is the reason for Rangers’ struggles but then this guy is coming out at Aberdeen and getting things going straight away. Sometimes that happens and it puts extra pressure on you. But Clement’s got to handle that. But everybody’s looking at that scenario.
Despite Thelin’s schtum, Dodds can see how his strong start has left Clement needing to justify himself. The Rangers manager says his new team needs time to settle in, while Thelin’s own redesigned Reds have swept to victory.
“Jimmy Thelin had to assemble a team in the summer after losing his best player, Bojan Miovski,” he stated. Philippe Clement isn’t benefiting from that.
He’s publicly claiming that Rangers’ problems are due to the rebuild, while this man is showing up at Aberdeen and starting things right immediately. That does occur occasionally, and it places additional strain on you. However, Clement must deal with that. However, everyone is examining that situation.
“It’s difficult,” Dodds remarked. “I am more aware than anyone that it is difficult. You can try to block the leak by sticking your finger in it, but it will always seep through.
“I’m seeing that with Rangers right now. You must be doing better, though, regardless of all that. They should be performing better because they have a strong squad and are spending money. That is the ultimate goal.
“It’s difficult,” Dodds remarked. “I am more aware than anyone that it is difficult. You can try to block the leak by sticking your finger in it, but it will always seep through.
“I’m seeing that with Rangers right now. You must be doing better, though, regardless of all that. They should be performing better because they have a strong squad and are spending money. That is the ultimate goal.
Sometimes you can use what’s going on behind the scenes as a justification, and at the moment, it’s a valid one. The manager will benefit if they can resolve that, but he must also do his share.
“And I certainly don’t think Rangers fans ever accept being nine points behind Celtic, so they’re certainly not going to accept being nine points behind Celtic AND Aberdeen!”
Dodds was speaking as he assisted Mr Singh’s India restaurant in launching its new dine-at-home retail line, which is available at Costco.
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