Cantwell's Success at Blackburn Highlights Clement's Struggles

In an ironic turn of events, Todd Cantwell's successful stint at Blackburn Rovers casts a significant shadow over Philippe Clement, who is currently facing heavy criticism during his time at Rangers. For Clement, witnessing Cantwell flourish in the English Championship while his Rangers team struggles to find creative solutions could be a difficult reality to accept, especially as the scrutiny on the Belgian manager intensifies.

The relationship between Cantwell and Clement soured significantly after the latter's arrival at Ibrox, characterized by tension and unmet expectations. Cantwell, who had once played a crucial role in Rangers' midfield, was quickly sidelined by Clement following his request for a transfer. The breaking point occurred when Clement substituted Cantwell after only 35 minutes during a Europa League match against Aris Limassol, a decision that garnered sharp criticism. After the game, Clement publicly criticized Cantwell for not providing width, a comment that suggested deeper issues existed between them.

Since joining Blackburn on the last day of the summer transfer window, Cantwell has settled in well, emerging as a vital component of Rovers' offensive strategy. His ability to read the game and take advantage of defensive lapses has been clearly demonstrated. Blackburn’s manager, eager to showcase the effective collaboration between Cantwell and the squad, highlighted that the midfielder's skill and positioning have introduced a fresh dynamic to their gameplay.

“We pinpointed areas we could take advantage of, and Todd has played a crucial role in that,” said Blackburn’s manager. “He’s been an excellent addition, and now that he’s back to full fitness, he will be even more essential for us.” Cantwell's revival at Blackburn sharply contrasts with his time at Rangers, where his abilities were constrained, leading many to question if Clement's inflexible tactical approach played a part in the midfielder's departure.

As Clement endures growing criticism regarding his team's creativity, the recent 1-1 draw with Dundee United has exacerbated the situation. Rangers' failure to penetrate defenses and create opportunities, particularly at home, has raised concerns among both fans and analysts. Former Rangers player Neil McCann expressed his discontent on Sportscene, highlighting the lack of diversity in Rangers' attacking play and their difficulties in generating effective contributions from the left flank.

“Their play lacks variety and has become quite predictable,” McCann pointed out. “One would expect Rangers to take charge at Ibrox, yet they are failing to create sufficient chances. Clubs such as St Mirren, Dundee, and Aberdeen have outscored them. That's just not acceptable.”

As the pressure intensifies on Clement, the choice to allow Cantwell to move on could become a lingering regret for him. With Rangers faltering in their creativity, Clement might soon start to reconsider his decisions with growing remorse. In the ruthless realm of football management, such choices can significantly impact a manager's career—making Clement's future at Ibrox increasingly precarious as the season progresses.