THE details of the deal will remain between those who agreed it. As it stands, both sides are holding up their respective ends of the bargain.
Borna Barisic keeps the specifics to himself but the theme of his conversation with Michael Beale is clear. So are the outcomes from it as the Croatian enjoys a renaissance under the man who previously helped him hit the heights at Ibrox.
It is put to Barisic that his agreement with his manager was along the lines of a vow that he would deliver if faith was put in him once again. An answer of 'let’s say it like that' needs no further explanation.
Barisic was absent for the first days of Beale's homecoming in December as he enjoyed one of his own. While the Englishman settled back into life in Glasgow after being appointed as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's successor, the Croatian was still in Qatar as Zlatko Dalic's side finished third at the World Cup and then celebrated the achievement with friends, family and their supporters.
The left-back returned to the team for the win over Motherwell in the final game of the year and neither he nor Beale's side have looked back since. Wins over Aberdeen, Hibernian and Ross County had seen Beale make an impressive start to life in the dugout and Rangers remain unbeaten heading to Hampden this weekend.
The contribution of Barisic has been key to that run. Reverting back to the system that was implemented during Steven Gerrard's reign has been the main factor on the park, but Beale's influence off it has been just as profound.
"Yeah, I had a conversation," Barisic said. "It was a like a 15 or 20 minute conversation about everything. Not only about football.
"We made some deals. That’s true. I have a very good relationship with him and that’s a big help to me.
"I feel good, I feel motivated, I feel comfortable. The way the manager gives me some things – I won’t tell you what, it’s behind the doors – means I am trying to give him it back on the pitch. I think that’s way how it should be."
The way in which Beale operates on the grass - from the clarity of his messaging to the technical aspects of his sessions - have been spoken about in glowing terms for many years and at every club he has worked at. The transition from coach to manager required the 42-year-old to bring different attributes to the table, though.
He has represented Rangers in the right way as a figurehead of the club in public. Behind closed doors, he has re-energised a squad that were low on confidence and short of belief following the troubling period that proved to be the end of Van Bronckhorst's tenure.
"I agree with you," Barisic said when asked if Beale inspires his players with his man-management skills. "I don’t want to talk too much about what the manager does in the situation where he’s the manager and I’m a player.
"But that’s true. Absolutely. As I said to you before, with the results and how we play, I can say that I am really enjoying it. I think we are all enjoying it."
The happiness factor cannot be overlooked. Those who are content in their surroundings and that have the support of their peers and seniors are always more likely to perform at a higher standard and that is as true for footballers as it is for any profession.
The tactical tweaks that Beale has implemented have had the desired impact so far but nobody at Ibrox is under any illusions about where Rangers are and the work, and time, that is required to return them to the levels that must be continually aimed for.
Victory over Celtic on Sunday would be the clearest indication yet of Beale's work. Like all wins, it would be another natural lift to a squad who now have momentum behind them once again.
“He has brought a lot of good things, the results show everything for now," Barisic said. “We are 14 games unbeaten. We have all those wins and a draw.
“We have changed our style and this style probably suits us as a team and as players. It certainly suits me. I have more freedom and I think you can see how the system now suits the players.
“We train much better, much harder. When you do that it’s much easier to bring that onto the pitch. There is no doubt that in this moment we are in a good way.
“I think we are enjoying our football. I can only speak for myself and I am certainly enjoying my football more. I can say that. I am really enjoying it again.”
Beale inherited a situation that was a lost cause in terms of the Premiership and the points gathered in recent weeks have proved futile in many ways as Celtic have maintained their advantage in the title race. Time is now running out for Rangers in a forlorn pursuit.
Embarking on this lengthy unbeaten run has still been hugely beneficial, though, as Beale builds for his first full term in charge and a proper crack at the title. The feeling of 55 is being harnessed once again at Ibrox.
"It’s close," Barisic said. "But it’s still not like that. I cannot say that we are in that mood. But how could we be after one or two months?
"But I’ve said before is that I can feel we are on that train, you know? That we are very close to that point.
"As I said many times, results show everything but we are in a very good way just now."
Rangers will remain distant challengers for the remainder of the Premiership campaign. The ultimate ambition, of course, is to make them champions once again.
Winning matches is a means to an end and every step forward is important. Landing the first silverware of the season could accelerate a process that has had few bumps in the road with Beale at the wheel.
"Yes, of course," Barisic said. "Sunday’s game is very important and it would be very nice if we win.
"But if we are talking about that process, it cannot happen overnight. In the longer-term, we are in a very good way and I think everyone can see that.
"Listen, the key is to win the game. What it takes to win the game I will not talk about. That’s for in the team only.
"I don’t want to talk about that a lot, but I think we know each other very well. We’ll try to explore their weaknesses."
The nine point gap across the Old Firm divide tells its own story. As the old saying goes, the league table doesn't lie.
Celtic will soon, and deservedly, collect their Premiership medals but the two cup competitions offer Rangers a chance to make a statement of their own.
"Listen, someone said nine points is big," Barisic said. "And it is big. But some people look since Michael Beale came in.
"And some people look more long-term. It depends how you look at it. We will see on Sunday how the game goes."
