Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers Football Club, has provided clarity on the absences of Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo for the team’s recent victory over Aberdeen. Both players were notably missing from the matchday squad, which raised questions among fans and pundits. Clement’s explanation sheds light on the reasons behind their exclusion, offering insight into the club’s tactical and fitness considerations.
Oscar Cortes, a talented young forward who joined Rangers in the summer, has impressed with his ability to contribute both in attack and in linking play. However, Clement revealed that the decision to leave him out of the match against Aberdeen was purely tactical. “Oscar has been progressing well, but the way we set up against Aberdeen required different qualities on the field,” Clement explained. “We felt it was important to go with a lineup that offered a more direct approach, which is why Oscar wasn’t involved this time.”
Clement emphasized that Cortes is part of his long-term plans and continues to develop at Rangers. The manager highlighted the importance of giving players the right opportunities at the right moments, acknowledging that young players like Cortes may not feature in every match but are still an integral part of the squad’s future. He also reiterated that the decision was based on match-specific needs rather than any issue with the player’s form or fitness.
Rabbi Matondo, another player who has had his fair share of attention since joining Rangers, was also absent from the matchday squad against Aberdeen. Matondo has shown glimpses of his pace and technical ability but has struggled to find consistency. Clement addressed Matondo’s absence by citing fitness concerns. “Rabbi has been working hard to regain his full fitness after a minor issue, and we decided it was best for him to continue his recovery without being rushed into action,” Clement explained. “We want him to be at his best, and sometimes that means being patient and giving him the time to get fully fit.”
While Clement did not go into specifics about the exact nature of Matondo’s fitness issue, it is clear that the manager is prioritizing the long-term health and performance of his players over short-term selection. The decision to hold Matondo back is likely aimed at ensuring that he returns to full fitness before being reintegrated into the team, rather than risking a setback that could affect his future contributions.
Clement also acknowledged that the depth of the Rangers squad means that competition for places is fierce, and not every player can be included in every matchday squad. “We have a lot of quality players, and it’s not easy to select a team for every match. My job is to ensure that each player is given the best opportunity to perform at their highest level, and sometimes that means making tough decisions about who plays and who doesn’t,” he added.
The absence of Cortes and Matondo did not hinder Rangers’ performance, as they went on to secure a solid win against Aberdeen. The result highlighted the depth of the squad, with other players stepping up in the absence of the two wide attackers. Clement’s approach reflects a careful balancing act between managing player fitness, tactical decisions, and the needs of the team in a competitive environment. As the season progresses, fans can expect to see both Cortes and Matondo continue to play important roles, with Clement keen to integrate them into the lineup when the time is right.
