Manager Philippe Clement says he is “busy finding solutions” rather than worrying about whether his Rangers future has been cast into further doubt by another humbling Ibrox defeat.
Rangers delivered what the Belgian called “by far the worst” performance of his 16-month tenure at the end of the week in which supporters had been enthused by news of a potential US takeover of the Scottish Premiership club.
They delivered a display as meek as it was inert as second-half goals by Mikael Mandron and Toyosi Olusanya earned St Mirren their first win in Govan since November 1991 and a second in a row against Rangers.
Celtic’s defeat at Hibernian earlier in the day means they are still 13 points adrift of their city rivals and facing a season without winning a domestic trophy after another Ibrox embarrassment in the Scottish Cup against Queen’s Park two weeks ago.
Next month’s Europa League last-16 tie against Fenerbahce is one of the few things in the credit column for Clement.
“We were by far the worst I’ve seen in all the time I’ve been here,” Clement said. “I didn’t see this one coming – this nervousness, everyone below par almost all game.
“We were not what Rangers should be. I saw the team drifting apart in islands. That’s not been the case in the past. In the first place, it’s my responsibility.”
When asked if he would understand if the board had a decision to make over his future, Clement replied: “I’m not busy with those questions or those things.
“I am busy finding solutions to get Rangers back at the level they should be. I am not into hypothetical questions.”
Perhaps more alarming for Rangers was St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson saying that his side “did not feel under any pressure and probably could have had more goals”.
This was a St Mirren side who had one league win in seven since beating Rangers in Paisley on Boxing Day.
The fact Ibrox was three-quarters empty before the full-time whistle told a story of its own and those who did remain were vocal in their condemnation.
“Everybody saw the team was nervous today,” Clement added. “Was it that they wanted to do too good, react and give the fans much more?
“We need to look at the root of the problem and speak with the team about that. At the end, it is my responsibility to get them with the right mindset on the pitch.
“I can only say sorry and apologise [to the Rangers fans] from me and the team. This is not what Rangers teams need to show on the pitch. We all know this was by far below the standards we all expect.
“I’m always fighting until the end. My task is to get the team in the right mindset. That was not the case today. I need to find a solution for that.”
Rangers fans – have your say
Another Ibrox defeat amid a turbulent season… so what happens now?
