Philippe Clement may have temporarily quelled speculation about a return to Belgium with consecutive victories for Rangers this week.
After an impressive away win against OGC Nice, Rangers followed it up with a less convincing 1-0 triumph over St. Johnstone in Perthshire. While Clement enjoys a brief respite, Belgian national team manager Domenico Tedesco remains under intense scrutiny from the Belgian media following a difficult period in Brussels.
As Rangers faced mounting pressure in the domestic title race, reports suggested that Belgium’s football federation was set to discuss Tedesco’s future over the weekend. However, no decision has been announced, and the spotlight has shifted to Clement amid the ongoing debate over Tedesco’s omission from Belgium’s World Cup Qualifying delegation.
Philippe Clement Linked to Belgium Job
Domenico Tedesco will not be among the three representatives attending the World Cup Qualification draw in Switzerland on December 13th. This unusual move—marking the first time in 40 years a Belgian national team coach has not been part of the delegation—has fueled speculation about Tedesco’s future. The 39-year-old has faced calls for his dismissal following disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 and Nations League campaigns, the latter ending in a 1-0 loss to Israel.
Clement has emerged as the leading candidate among three potential replacements named in Belgian media, partly due to his connection with Vincent Mannaert, the Belgian FA’s new sporting director. Mannaert was CEO of Club Brugge during Clement’s successful managerial stint there.
Domenico Tedesco’s Absence Explained
Reports from Belgian media clarify that Tedesco’s absence from the World Cup Qualifying draw is logistical rather than symbolic. With only three representatives allowed to attend, Mannaert will join federation president Pascale Van Damme and CEO Peter Willems in Switzerland. Tedesco is expected to react to the draw via video link.
For now, this suggests Tedesco retains his position, which by extension means Clement remains at Rangers. Clement, who signed a long-term contract extension before the season began, has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
“A few weeks ago, I was clear about this in a press conference,” Clement said in November. “I committed to Rangers for the long term, and I have no intention of changing my mind. I hope this puts an end to these questions in the future.”
