Philippe Clement has praised his Rangers side for their resilience in earning a Europa League point against Sparta Prague, but the Belgian boss insists he wants more than just clean sheets from his team. The Ibrox outfit held out for a 0-0 draw at the Letna Stadium, with Jack Butland in inspired form and a makeshift three-man defence standing firm against the Czech champions.
Clement was forced to switch to a 3-5-2 formation after injuries to Borna Barisic and Dijon Sterling left the club without a recognised left-back. Despite the disruption, Rangers grew into the game and could have snatched a late winner, with Sam Lammers and Danilo both denied by Sparta goalkeeper Peiter Vindahl. The point leaves Rangers level with Sparta on four points in Group C, two behind leaders Real Betis.
Reflecting on the match, Clement said: 'We started the second half much better. It was a game that was in the balance – first half for Sparta, second half for us. If you look at the data, the chances are equal and we had more shots on target. It could have been a win for us, but I am happy with the reaction we showed in the second half.'
The Rangers manager stressed his desire for a winning mentality, adding: 'I don't want a team that only plays for clean sheets and only defends. I want a team that plays good football and creates chances. I am a winner, I want to win always. I want my players to have the same mentality, and I saw it after the game – they were disappointed they hadn't won. That's the mentality we need for the next few months.'
Clement singled out Ben Davies and Abdallah Sima for praise after they adapted to unfamiliar roles in the rejigged backline. Davies replaced Barisic in central defence, while Sima operated as a left wing-back. 'I was very pleased with Ben,' Clement said. 'Abdallah Sima is not used to playing a wing-back role, but he did a great job defensively. That's what I want to see – a team that fights for each other until the end.'
