Robert Grieve says that Philippe Clement’s comparison comments on Rangers and Celtic were “very unusual”.

Ahead of his side’s game against Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening [4 December], the Belgian cited Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn as a reason not to judge players – and teams – too early.

With their rivals sitting 11 points ahead of them in top spot, while the Gers linger third in the table, many supporters would be keen to switch places with the side but aren’t keen on a comparison that puts them ahead.

While Grieve understands the analogy, he did admit he found it strange as he said on the Scottish Sun Sport’s Coffee Club [4 December, 01m 50s]: “It’s very, very unusual to hear a Rangers or a Celtic manager, or anyone, even players, at either club referencing the other club.

“Now the fact that he didn’t actually name them, kind of joking about it but probably won’t make a whole lot of difference to Rangers fans who are looking at this and going, ‘why are you even talking about them?’”

Philippe Clement digging a deeper hole at Rangers

The Belgian’s reign at Ibrox has not gone to plan so far and many supporters have been left very unimpressed with their side this season.

Not only are the Gers miles away from their rivals in the top spot, but they also find themselves sitting behind Aberdeen in second place, showing a real fall from grace in the Scottish Premiership which explains the pressure on the manager’s shoulders.

Although Clement’s comments were correct in terms of the point he was trying to make of another team riding out a rough time and then coming out on the other side looking successful, they are also quite tone-deaf when you consider the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.

The 50-year-old has faced plenty of criticism at Ibrox this season and this comparison is only going to increase that as it reinforces the idea that he is fairly detached from the culture and supporters at the club.

With a game against Kilmarnock ahead, it will be important for the Gers to deliver on the pitch to at least provide the fans with something they feel like they can cheer.