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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Beale in thinly-veiled swipe over Rangers fixtures ahead of Champions League play-off

Michael Beale aimed a thinly-veiled swipe at Scottish football chiefs over Rangers' fixture list ahead of the Champions League play-off clash against PSV Eindhoven.

The Ibrox boss referenced the trip to Dingwall next weekend to face Ross County in between crucial Champions League fixtures against the Eredivisie side.

PSV Eindhoven have had their match against Go Ahead Eagles moved to allow the club time to prepare for the second leg while Rangers are back in league duty.

And Beale hinted at the puzzling scenario as he called out the requirement for his side to still fulfill a league fixture between the Champions League fixtures.

Speaking on Viaplay, he said: "I think it is a cup final. It is a two-legged cup final so why wouldn't we be [aggressive and on the front foot]?

"We've got to get the fans and everyone in the stadium behind us. They are a very, very talented side but I think so are we, so what are we going to do be cautious or are we going to have a right go?

"I think the best way for our team to play is to go and have a right go and to try and run and peg them back. It's two wonderful games.

"In between that we have got a difficult trip up to Ross County for an early start - PSV get the weekend off so I will let you argue the reason behind that."

Pundit Stephen Craigen replied: "I think you might be making a point, there..."

And Beale responded: "You're not wrong!"

On the challenge against PSV, Beale added: "We know midweek two teams are going to play the game from the middle of the pitch and it gives different spaces and it gives you different problems solve.

"At the moment we are a team that has got a lot of the ball, teams are sitting deep and it's clear the final third needs to come. I think there will be different spaces for us and different challenges midweek.

"It is a different type of game it will be very evenly matched. We are the slight underdogs I'm led to believe but even that, what a wonderful opportunity for the staff, the players and the fans as well.

"We want Champions League back here and we're going to have to get past a  very, very good side."

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