Philippe Clement caused a stir when he explained his decision to rotate his squad against Motherwell earlier this week.
Rangers’ boss opted to rest both Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane in the crunch clash which they would eventually draw 2-2.
Gers were 2-0 down at half-time only for Igamane to play super-sub and net twice to grab a point at Fir Park.
Clement revealed his sport science team called for Cerny to be rested and the manager claims he wanted to avoid causing any further unnecessary injuries.
It was a moment in Clement’s Ibrox career that could have cost him his job but the Belgian was adamant he made the right call for his squad’s health.
Cerny, he says, was “dead tired” and now the Czechia international has vouched for his gaffer and revealed he was indeed shattered after playing so many matches.
And he stopped short of contradicting Clement when asked “who decides” between the boss and the medics as to when a player should or should not feature.
“There have been so many games and so we had a chat, not only with the manager but with people around who were taking care of us,” Cerny said.
Clement had listened to his sport scientists’ advice on resting Cerny
“I was okay but I just said it because I was getting tired. I think it’s pretty normal in this stage of the season.
“I’ve never seen a player with this schedule to play every single game. You guys are watching football all over Europe, it’s just normal.
“I’ve never seen one who played everything and I think we make it much bigger than it is. I’ve played every game for the national team, I’ve played every game for Rangers, I was able to play.
“We have a strong squad, it’s normal to rotate and it’s just the way it is.
“In the end, (being fit to face Celtic) was the main thing. I want to play every game but sometimes, as I said, it’s just not possible.
“There is a huge game coming up and I’m feeling much better. In the end, that was the point.
“We are coming here every single morning. We get questions about how we feel. Some of us play a lot, some of us play less. Every single day you talk about your programme, what you’re going to do.
“It’s just those little conversations you have. Again, it’s just so normal not to start one of the 30 games. It shouldn’t be even a question.”
Fans vented frustration with Clement after Motherwell
Asked if he understands fan frustrations that he didn’t play in a big game, Cerny added: “I appreciate that. That’s what I wanted to create.
“I appreciate that people think that I’m someone who can help this team every single game. That’s what I’m trying to do also. The other part I want to say is that we have a strong squad. I’ve played 35 games. Don’t get me wrong, maybe it’s 34 or 33.
“There are other players who are coming back from injuries and need a minute. I’m not the coach. I was asked. I was feeling a bit tired. I think it’s pretty normal to still be able to go with the team and be able to help if possible.
“There is a choice being made not starting me. That’s it.”
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