Former Celtic star John Hartson reckons Michael Beale will be fuming with Rangers loanee Malik Tillman after the midfielder took aim at Gio van Bronckhorst's tactics.
The Bayern Munich loanee has impressed since the departure of the Dutchman and flourished under Beale opening the door for the Ibrox side to trigger a permanent transfer options in his Bundesliga loan deal. The 20-year-old has offered an insight into his development in the Scottish Premiership and the tactical tweaks introduced by the Londoner that sparked his upturn in form.
Quizzed by German outlet Kicker if tactics were behind Van Bronckhorst's undoing, Tillman said: "Yes, but we haven't always reached our standard in the league either. I don't think the sporting directors liked the way we played football. That was too defensive, goals are expected from us." He also noted that Beale's brand of "more offensive football" was vital claiming Rangers were "afraid" in the Champions League under the Dutchman.
The response left Hartson less than pleased, as he defended Van Bronckhorst's record and insisted he would still be Light Blues' boss if he had lifted the Europa League trophy. Asked about Tillman's comments, Hartson told The Go Radio Football Show: "Well, they weren't very defensive when they took four goals off Dortmund in Germany, were they?
"They were a penalty kick away from creating history, from Giovanni van Bronckhorst being hailed for the rest of his life and winning a major cup competition. That's football, the margins of error are so small.
"Celtic were a fabulous side last season in Ange's first season, so it's difficult. Celtic came on really strong and Gio couldn't really stop them, but I think (the sacking) was a bit harsh.
"They have brought in Michael Beale and it has worked so far. He has been given backing by the board but it's all about winning big games and winning trophies. Rangers and Celtic don't hold on to managers that don't win trophies, and as it happens Giovanni van Bronckhorst came within a whisker of winning a European cup.
"An Aaron Ramsey penalty that the goalkeeper saved with his legs. I believe if he won it he would still be in a job.
"I'm not too sure Michael Beale will be happy with his young star on loan for Bayern Munich coming out an making comments about the style of play and talking about experienced managers like Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a Champions League winner and former Rangers player. He is young and it might have been a bit naive."
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