Philippe Clement explained captain James Tavernier was omitted from Rangers' 1-1 Europa League draw with Olympiacos due to fear of him playing too many games. (More Football News)
The 33-year-old skip𓃲per was utilised as a second-half substitute in a game where Cyriel De▨ssers cancelled out Ayoub El Kaabi's opener at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Thursday.
It was a call that raised a few eyebrows given the criticism Tavernier has faced this season, but Clement said it was just about 🧸managing the experienced full-back's minute🧔s.
In quotes reported by BBC Sporღt, Clement said: "That's never an easy decision, but I want more than one captain in the group.
"If you come at a certain age you can't play 60 games⛎ at the same level. We knew that before the season. It's about co🃏mpetition for spots.
"It's about one team, winning together. That's Rangers - one team, one family, going for one goal."
Rangers now have seven points from four games in Europe's secondary compe🎃tition, sitting just outside the top eight in the table.
Clement, however, was disappoin🎐ted not to travel home with the win despite being impressed with the performanc🅘e.
"A very strong performance as a team, sticking to the plan, bei🌼ng very disciplined and using the spaces," he added.
"Disappointed we didn't win the game, that's the ♕next step we need to take. But I saw a lot of positive things and I🌠 need to praise the whole team for that.
"ꦛI don't want players happy with a point. We went for the three points and that's the mentality I want to see against any opponent.
"👍;Our midfield was massive today. Our defenceꦕ was really solid. Jack [Butland] didn't have to make many saves."
Rangers are now unbeaten in their last five away matches in the Europa League (W2 D3), equalling their longest such run in the competition’s history (also🌞 five unbeaten between October 2020 – March 2💛021).
Up next in the competition is Ligue 1 side Nice, who drew 2-2 with Enschede on ꧟Thursday.
