Because Frank Lampard’s wife is from Northern Ireland, Graeme Souness claims he recommended Lampard over Philippe Clement for the Rangers manager’s position. The legendary Rangers player discussed his involvement in the Belgian manager’s hiring at Ibrox with talkSPORT.
There have previously been rumours that Frank Lampard was preferred for the position over Philippe Clement by Rangers icon Graeme Souness.
Rangers are back in the running for the title after the arrival of the former AS Monaco and Club Brugge manager, and Souness has been elaborating on his suggestion this week.
Graeme Souness on Philippe Clement & Frank Lampard
When discussing the Rangers manager’s performance—he has won 22 of his team’s 26 games—with Jim White and Alan Pardew, Graeme Souness identified the main distinction he saw between Frank Lampard and Philippe Clement.
The Rangers icon assisted in interviewing possible managers and served as a consultant during the selection process.
The former Rangers player asserts that Frank Lampard and Philippe Clement were the two most exceptional prospects, and that Lampard’s familiarity with the quirks of living in the West of Scotland is why he was chosen over the England icon.
Furthermore, it was mentioned as a significant feature as Frank Lampard’s wife is from Northern Ireland.
Lampard, 45, is wed to Newry-born Christine Bleakley, 45, a Northern Irish TV personality.
According to Souness, “we interviewed about five or six of them.” “That’s between those two (Lampard & Clement),” I declared.
“The only thing that gives Frank the advantage over Philippe in my opinion is that he has some Western Scotland expertise.
Since his wife is from Northern Ireland, she will undoubtedly be familiar with it.
“He also has an extremely remarkable resume, Philippe. He performed admirably in Belgium before leaving with Monaco to travel to the south of France.
“He played for a little while at Coventry, but nothing—not even a position in football administration—can adequately prepare you for life in the West of Scotland. It’s a different kind of struggle.
Rangers manager has shaken up Scottish football
Graeme Souness makes a valid point regarding the subtleties of the Rangers vs. Celtics rivalry, but sometimes it’s best to try something different.
The imagined restrictions of the Glasgow goldfish bowl or the Scottish game do not have to restrict an outsider’s entry.
And that’s precisely what has happened as Philippe Clement leads Rangers to both the League Cup title and the top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
Under the Belgian, Rangers feel like a different animal, and supporters are undoubtedly happy with the manager’s performance.
Frank Lampard, on the other hand, is still unemployed after quitting Chelsea in 2023 after serving as interim manager.
