In a dramatic clash at Ibrox, Rangers were left lamenting missed opportunities as both Vaclav Cerny and James Tavernier squandered golden chances early in the match. Their inability to capitalize proved costly, as Malick Fofana struck twice, with Alexandre Lacazette also netting a brace, ultimately handing the Ligue 1 side a comprehensive victory.
After the match, Rangers manager Clement expressed his frustration during an interview with TNT Sports. “The scoreline does not reflect our performance. We had two clear chances at the outset of the game. You simply must convert those. If we had gone ahead with a 1-0 or 2-0 lead, the game would have entered a different dynamic. Instead, we found ourselves trailing after losing possession in critical areas, and our defensive efforts lacked the sharpness needed,” he stated.
Despite equalizing to 1-1, Clement lamented further goals conceded from mistakes within their own half. “We also gave away two additional goals due to errors in our defensive zone, which is incredibly disappointing,” he added.
Clement acknowledged Lyon’s ability to exploit the situation, stating, “Once they were ahead, Lyon could sit back and wait for counter-attacks. They possess a plethora of talented players with remarkable technical skills, evident in their third goal.” He noted that in the second half, his side rallied and pushed for an equalizer.
“In terms of chances created, we matched Lyon, but the disparity in the scoreline reveals the gap in finishing quality. That proved pivotal,” he said, reflecting on the outcome.
Despite the disappointment, Clement highlighted the team’s progress and the continued support from the fans. “The supporters appreciated our efforts, as they witnessed the players’ commitment and hard work. We were eager to create scoring opportunities, yet we must refine our one-on-one defending and the ability to finish chances,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Clement is optimistic about improving at this competitive level. “The silver lining is that against a strong opponent like Lyon, we created numerous quality chances through effective football. However, the critical next step is to seal those opportunities. This aspect remains paramount in football, and we will dedicate ourselves to enhancing this over the coming months,” he emphasized.
With numerous fixtures still ahead in the newly formatted Europa League group stage, Clement remains grounded despite the setback. “We are aware of the competitive landscape and the quality of the opposition. While we aimed for a victory today, against teams of this caliber, seizing your chances is essential. Fail to do so, and you shall reap no rewards from the encounter,” he concluded.
