Michael Beale knows what’s coming if Rangers don’t beat Celtic today and go on to win the Scottish Cup.
Irrespective of the fact the Premiership title was gone by the time he arrived as gaffer. And that he can’t properly be judged until he’s had a summer transfer window to recruit his own players. The Ibrox boss realises if they fail to see off their Old Firm rivals at Hampden, the pressure on him and his staff will be cranked up. So you’d think he might be getting anxious.
But instead, Beale says he’s NOT alarmed at his failure to defeat Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic in three derbies so far. He’s positive that the tide will eventually turn in Glasgow and Rangers will be the side back on top. Ahead of today’s semi-final clash, the Englishman said: “I was next to Steven Gerrard for three-and-a-half years and saw how fierce it can be in terms of praise and criticism.
“I can’t help the opinions of people on the outside because half of this city doesn’t like me anyway – and the other half only like me if I win. That’s the reality. It’s the same for Ange and for Gio van Bronckhorst, Neil Lennon, Steven, Martin O’Neill, Walter Smith. But I’m trying to make this team stronger, younger, stable, more consistent and with room to grow.
“Does every Rangers manager need a win over Celtic as soon as possible? Well, not every Rangers manager has had the fortune of experiencing a run of games as an assistant against that team. So I’m not panicking What I have to do is win trophies and make Rangers strong. That coincides with beating Celtic.”
Former Hoops players Chris Sutton and Simon Donnelly have said that Celtic have a psychological “hold” over Rangers now. But Beale isn’t having that. And despite losing the last two derbies – including the League Cup Final – he says Postecoglou’s men have weaknesses like every other team.
When asked about the ex-players’ views, the Gers boss said: “They like the sound of their own voice. We had seven games unbeaten against them when I was here before so it turns. The games have been close enough. Since January, they’ve been won or lost in isolated incidents.
“Ex-players are asked for their opinions. I’m not having a dig – they’re entitled to it – but I don’t agree with them. Every team has strengths and weaknesses. It’s important in every game to nullify the strengths, of which Celtic have a number. And you try to go for the areas they’re vulnerable in.
“They’re a very front-foot attacking team. We’ve tried to be equally as brave back and now it’s about what sticks. In the last game we were unfortunate because we did a lot of things well. But we made big mistakes and, when our chances came, we weren’t decisive enough.”
Beale accepts that when it comes to his recruitment this summer, he has to bring players to Ibrox who can cope with the demands of an Old Firm fixture.
He feels January new boys Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin have already shown they can handle it – but he needs more. Beale said: “A player must have clarity on what the team are and how they’ll play. Players come here to play in this game, so you like to think you’ve recruited the right types.
“People can grow into it. But you have to feel there’s something between you and the player because once he signs you’re all in. I have to feel that rapport or a trust in their character. Todd and Nico are good players and have given the fans a bit of oxygen.
“They’re new faces, players for kids to adore and put their names on the back of their shirt. That’s what Todd and Nico bring. At 25 and 22, they’re players for the long-term.”
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