Rangers: Philippe Clement will not accept excuses over busy schedule
The Belgium boss expects a “huge challenge” in Paisley on Thursday and stressed the need to win a personal battle against Stephen Robinson’s side.
Rangers beat Aberdeen in their last game against Dundee and are second in the league, while Partners beat Ross County 2-1 to move into sixth place.
“We know St Mirren is a big challenge,” Clement added. “This is a team with a lot of physicality and the manager always prepares the team well.
“We know it’s going to be a tough battle and we need to compete to win and then you can show your football. If you don’t win the duel you’re in trouble.”
Clement says the physicality of Scotland’s top flight is by no means unique in Europe and he is used to this side of the game from his spells as head coach in Belgium and France.
The former Club Brugge and Monaco boss also believes his midfield trio of Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron will continue to improve in this area as the season progresses.
“Don’t forget that Raskin was injured for eight to nine months, so it’s not possible to be in top form immediately after such a long absence,” he said.
“Diomande has been here less than a year. He has to adapt to some things. Barron knows the league but is still a young player who can still grow, which is normal.
“With all three of them in midfield it’s important to win the duel, it’s important in Scotland.
“People always say that about Scotland, but it’s the same in the Belgian league, it’s the same in the French league. It’s not that you don’t have physical quality there.”
“Every league needs it. I think in every good league it’s an important part of football, an important part of football.”
