Philippe Clement relaxed about Rangers Hampden move but has 'no guarantee' on return date

Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes a switch to Hampden was the “best alternative” for the club with Ibrox unavailable but admits he has had “no guarantees” about a return date.

Saturday’s match against Motherwell at the national stadium is the first of several at Hampden after construction work at Ibrox was delayed and forced a move.

Murrayfield was considered as a possible temporary home before a deal was agreed with the Scottish FA to move to Hampden, a decision Clement feels was the best under the circumstances.

Rangers will play league matches and at least one Champions League qualifier in Mount Florida and the manager says the switch is one that, for fans, is better than the alternative.

“I have been involved with the choices to make,” Clement said.

“For me it was the best scenario and not only for the players but for sure the fans because we need to think about that and that was a priority for me, they could in a way feel at home, not travelling much more than usual, it is a little bit different but not a big difference.

“It would have been different if it would have been at Murrayfield or a big stadium in England for example, so I am really happy that the club could find a solution.

“I think for everybody that it is the best alternative. We are looking forward to it. You need to adapt.

“We know one thing, we will have 50,000 fans behind the team so that is a really important thing.

“It could have been a stadium for 20,000 people so you have the same amount (of fans) that you have at Ibrox and I know the fans will be behind the team to push them.

“I have already experienced half of Hampden filled with our fans who made a really good atmosphere so there will be double that so I expect more than double the atmosphere.”

Rangers hope to be back at Ibrox in late September but Clement warned that there was no date set in stone.

“I don’t know if you have built a house or bought a house,” he said.

“It is in the hands of other people, not in the hands of the club.

“So until everything is done perfectly there are no guarantees in that way. Of course everybody is pushing to have it as fast as possible but nobody can give guarantees on that.”