Fri Sep 20 14:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Rangers Return to Ibrox After Hampden Exile: “Like Coming Home After 10 Years”

**GLASGOW -** Rangers manager Philippe Clement has described the team’s return to Ibrox for their League Cup clash with Dundee on Saturday as feeling like “coming home after 10 years,” after a lengthy period playing their home games at Hampden Park due to refurbishment delays at the Copland Road Stand.

The Gers haven’t played at their home ground since May 14, when they defeated Dundee 5-2 in a Premiership match. Clement, who described the feeling of returning to Ibrox as “a buzz,” is excited for the team to experience the energy of their home support once again.

“I was there yesterday because there was a commercial thing there to do and you get a special feeling coming back there,” said Clement. “I know it’s the same with all the players. I feel it already this week in the training. It gives something extra and I think it will be the same with all the fans also.”

While acknowledging the challenges of playing away from home, particularly at Hampden, Clement sees the return to Ibrox as a boost for both players and fans. “It always helps [to be at home ground], the enthusiasm of the fans… It’s the same playing for your fans for sure, at Ibrox, with so many people – and passionate people.”

The match against Dundee comes at a time when Rangers are already five points behind Celtic and Aberdeen in the title race, and have missed out on Champions League football. However, Clement dismissed suggestions that the team needs a lift, emphasizing the positive aspects of the rebuild and the progress being made.

“It’s quite a negative question because if you talk like that, it’s like everybody is running around here like zombies with their head down,” he said. “You saw the game last week and in moments in games in the weeks before. We’re rebuilding the squad, new players coming in. There are a lot of positives here.”

Despite the challenges, the return to Ibrox is expected to be a welcome change, with Clement acknowledging the significance of the occasion for both players and fans. “It’s like coming home with your family. That will be the feeling,” he concluded.

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