The Rangers U-18 Youth Team had a fantastic 2-1 win in their last cup game to bring home some hardware for the Scottish club this past week. Not only were they overjoyed with beating Aberdeen 2-1 in the Scottish Youth Cup final at Hampden Park in front of a crowd, but they were stunned after the match to receive welcoming congratulations from one of the best managers in the game.
Rangers Manager Gave a Pep Talk to U-18 Youth Team
💙 A visit from Philippe Clement to the dressing room after full-time to offer his congratulations to the players and staff. #ScottishYouthCup pic.twitter.com/PGRKI9AoCZ
— Rangers B & Academy (@RFC_Youth) May 1, 2024
Philippe Clement, the ex-Belgian National Team manager and current Rangers Senior Team manager, surprised the U18 boys after the game to deliver a rousing and motivational congratulations after their big win.
It was a tight game for Rangers against a strong Aberdeen side, but goals from Findlay Curtis and Josh Gentles canceled out Timothy Akindeline’s shot that struck the back of the net early in the game. Coming back from a 1-0 deficit to win a cup trophy is surely a night these boys will never forget.
And hearing from the first-team manager is icing on the cake.
The U18 manager, Steven Smith, did a wonderful job of coaching and nurturing his young players this year to help them develop, succeed in high-pressure environments, and use the skills he taught them to win a huge game such as this one. Smith was delighted that the gaffer came in to speak with the lads after the final whistle.
‘The manager was here and he came into the changing room and spoke to the players afterwards…he said a few things that he’s really happy with. He’s seen real quality in their technical ability in the first half, but also that character he knows that they need at the top end of the pitch.’
Even though Smith and Clement knew the Rangers squad could probably have ‘finished’ the game a little earlier by putting away their chances, the first-team boss was extremely pleased with what he saw. He even noticed a few individuals who could get recent call-ups to the first team after putting on an excellent performance in the cup final.
‘He was really happy with certain individuals, he knows a lot of faces as well because one thing the boys have had since he’s arrived is the opportunity to go and train with the first-team squad.’
Giving the younger lads a chance to improve their skills, speed, and decision-making by training with the senior squad will only increase the quality of Rangers as an entire club going forward.
Also Read: 5 Men’s College Soccer Transfers That Can Make a Huge Difference
Rangers in the Scottish Premiership This Season
Rangers are currently sitting in second place in the Scottish Premiership for the 2023-2024 season. They played 34 matches throughout the year, earning 78 points and just losing out on the top spot by three points to the ever-tough Celtic side.
They face off against the top-spot team this Saturday in the second phase of the Scottish Premiership to see who will win the trophy. Then, on May 26th, they play the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic once more. We can’t wait to see if Clement can lead his team to victory and bring home even more trophies to the clubhouse in Glasgow, Scotland.
Who knows, maybe the gaffer will include some of the U18 players on his squad list.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
