PHILIPPE CLEMENT is confident that a late Cyriel Dessers goal against Dynamo Kyiv could spark a much-needed turnaround in Rangers’ tricky start to the season.
Dessers faced criticism for his missed opportunities during Saturday’s goalless encounter with Hearts, but redeemed himself by scoring with the very last kick of the match, securing a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie in Poland.
Following a disappointing league opener, Clement believes that the Nigerian international’s equalizer — scored deep into four minutes of added time — could serve as a catalyst for his team’s campaign.
‘This result is pivotal for the club, as it illustrates everyone’s dedication and efforts to improve,’ expressed the Belgian. ‘I’m truly optimistic about the season ahead as a result of this.’
‘The players from last season understand my expectations, the mindset I require to keep persevering, to believe until the very last moment, which they demonstrated numerous times last season as well.
Rangers striker Dessers celebrates after equalising in stoppage time against Dynamo Kyiv
Rangers striker Dessers knocks the ball past Dynamo goalkeeper Bushchan
‘For the new arrivals, it’s crucial to experience that and realize that hard work pays off. I’m also thrilled that Cyriel was the one to get the crucial goal today.’
Dessers, who netted 23 goals last season, has been the subject of transfer speculation over the summer, raising questions about his future at Rangers.
Impressed with the resilience shown by his players, particularly after conceding a first-half goal from Ukraine captain Andriy Yarmolenko, Clement praised Dessers for his individual performance.
‘Character is fundamental to everything, and we expect that constantly in every training session and match,’ stated Clement. ‘It’s absolutely essential.
‘Cyriel symbolizes that for me today, as he had an excellent game and made several good attempts at goal.
‘He maintained his belief and positioned himself perfectly at the crucial moment. That’s what’s expected from a striker — never giving up and pushing forward.
‘I see a player who has developed significantly over the past seven months in multiple aspects because he is eager to learn, even though he’s not 20 anymore. He’s 29 now, but he absorbs every bit of information and has shown growth in recent months through our discussions, training, and development work.
Striker Yarmolenko gave Dynamo Kyiv the lead in the first half in Poland
Rangers boss Philippe Clement gives instructions to captain Tavernier
Rangers midfielder Dujon Sterling battles with Dynamo’s Justin Lonwijk
‘It was a match where we continued to press until the end for the result, which was well deserved.
‘It was a thrilling game to watch, showcasing quality from both teams, and I’m pleased with our performance today.’
Dessers also expressed optimism that his goal could change the team’s fortunes, stating on RangersTV: ‘I believe this goal sends a strong message and could shift the momentum, not just for this tie, but hopefully for us as the weeks progress.
‘We’ve been putting in tremendous effort, and while the results may not be immediately visible on the pitch, there’s significant work behind the scenes, and moments like this can turn things around and ideally bring us some luck.’
Despite conceding a last-gasp equalizer, Dynamo coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi remains optimistic about their chances in the return leg at Hampden next Tuesday night.
He remarked: ‘It’s certainly disappointing to concede a goal at the last minute, but from the start, we understood that the tie would be determined in Glasgow. We’ve only completed the first half of the tie and are looking forward to the second half.’
