John Hartson reckons Michael Beale won't be too happy with Malik Tillman's comments as he branded the youngster a 'bit naive'.
The USA international was snapped up by Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the summer on a loan deal from Bayern Munich with an option to make the deal permanent. He impressed under the Dutchman but has really flourished under Beale with the new boss already making it clear he would like to keep him at Ibrox long-term.
The 20-year-old spoke to German outlet Kicker and offered an in-depth insight to the reasons behind making the move to Rangers, the reaction to THAT goal against Partick Thistle and much more. But as part of the interview he took aim at the tactics played under former gaffer Van Bronckhorst branding them 'too defensive' while he highlighted how the Light Blues were 'afraid' in the Champions League under the Dutchman after their opening game hammering by Ajax.
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He told Kicker: "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."
Celtic hero Hartson was unimpressed with what the 20-year-old had to say as he defended Van Bronckhorst. Rangers were just the kick of a ball away from lifting the Europa League and the Hoops idol reckons he would still be in a job had he lifted the European crown branding his sacking 'a bit harsh'.
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 and 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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