Philippe Clement can deliver Rangers title glory as Genk skipper reveals key ingredient of 2019 Belgian triumph

Philippe Clements' new Rangers squad have been told they’ll be expected to match their manager’s passion levels off the pitch when they run out on it.

Genk stalwart Bryan Heynen was part of the new Ibrox gaffer’s squad when he lifted his first Belgian title in 2019. And he’s backing his old boss to have the same effect on the Light Blues that he had when he led the Smurfs to the only league crown they’ve managed in the past decade.

Heynen is a big fan of Clement and his down-to-earth methods when it comes to handling players. But he warned that doesn’t mean he’ll settle for players slacking. The Genk captain told Record Sport : “I first met Philippe when he came to Genk from Waasland Beveren. He is a very honest and warm person. I was injured at that time after tearing my ACL but he was always interested in how I was doing even though I was not available to play.

“When he arrived, the club was struggling half way through the season and in ninth place in the table. But the next season we became champions so you can say he had a big impact!

“He is very strong in man-management, knowing that a team is more than 11 players. Even players that are not playing a lot were in a good mood with him because he made sure everyone is involved.

“His leadership was vital the season we won the championship. He always had a very clear gameplan, the players always knew what to do.

“He’s a passionate coach so he also expects that same passion from his team. He wants you to leave it all on the pitch and fight for the badge on your chest - but he wants that combined with playing good football.

“He’s strong when it comes to man-management. Because he played at a high level as well, he knows the way players think on the pitch and know what