Michael Beale joked that he is now BANNING himself from using the word ‘lucky’ during interviews after it caused such a storm.
The Rangers boss used it to describe former dug-out rival Ange Postecoglou at the start of the year and it caused a huge backlash with the ex Celtic boss referencing it during his Scottish Premiership victory speech - SIX MONTHS after he first uttered it.
But as Beale discussed the managerial talent in the Scotland, he admitted he’s loath to use it now after it was held against him by many pundits. During a Sky Sports interview, he said: “I see different things happening in the league in terms of tactically. I’ve seen a lot of different mangers in the league as well. The managers in Scotland deserve huge credit. We’re not managers that can go out and buy readymade players. There’s only two or three managers in the league that are fortunate - I mustn’t use that word lucky - enough to go and buy players.”
Speaking back in January, Beale said: “Celtic have made three signings and people are asking: ‘Are you going to make three’? No, we will do what we think (is best). But also, they spend a lot more money than us. So Ange is a lucky man because he’s spent a lot of money.”
That was viewed as a jibe and Record Sport columnist and former Hoops striker Chris Sutton said following Postecoglou’s departure for Tottenham Hotspur that Beale was a “lucky” man. And on Celtic’s Trophy Day Postecoglou mentioned it during his message to fans.
And the Aussie said in an earlier interview: “I would never use that language about somebody in my position. I’m not sure which bit is ‘lucky’. I think Michael at the time was referring to the fact I had money to spend but, you know what? I didn’t get to this position out of luck.
“I’ve worked 25 years in coaching to be entrusted at a club like this. This isn’t my first job. If it was my first job, maybe I’d be lucky, but it’s not. It’s 25 years of hard work."
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