Philippe Clement expects Rangers to relish Europa…

Philippe Clement expects Rangers to relish Europa League step up against Lyon

Philippe Clement wants Rangers to step it up another level when they take on Olympique Lyonnais at Ibrox this evening.

The Light Blues have been improving by the week, and recorded a vital 2-0 win over Malmo during Matchday One of the UEFA Europa League last time out.

Rangers spurred numerous opportunities to make the scoreline more comfortable, and the Gers manager knows that his men will have to show their clinical side against the Ligue 1 outfit in front of an expectant home support.

"We need to show quality on the ball, be brave on the ball, what they did in Malmo, but even better today," Clement said on what Rangers must do to register a positive result this evening.

"We also need to be strong in the duels, to be aggressive in that way also, because they have players who can make the difference with an individual action.

"We need to stop them as a collective, not only one against one, but to defend really well as a block.

"Next to that, we need to take advantage on our transitions. Lyon is a team who likes the ball, who likes to come with a lot of players in offensive positions, so we need to use that also."

Clement believes Rangers are constantly improving after racking up four wins on the spin since losing to Celtic on September 1.

"We are getting better and better," the Belgian told Rangers TV.

"Of course Hibs was a different game, it was 57 hours after Malmo, which was a big trip. We missed some freshness there, but the team digged in and showed the right mentality.

"This is another game again and another level. We will not get 20 chance today, so we need to be clinical in those moments."

The Rangers boss has made three changes for this clash, with Cyriel Dessers, Mohamed Diomande, and Nedim Bajrami coming in for Nico Raskin, Ross McCausland, and Hamza Igamane.

"Jefte is making really good progression," Clement said as he explained his selection.

"So we wanted him already in January because we believed in his talent. He's making step by step every month and this is another test for him playing against players like (Rayan) Chekri today and his qualities.

(Image: SNS Group) "It will be interesting to see and he can only learn from that. He's only 20, it's the first time playing games at that level.

"There are several boys in our side from that way, but we also have some experience, so I think there's a good balance tonight."

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