Michael Beale insists he was making an 'innocent comment' when he referred to Celtic as the 'other team' and meant no disrespect
The new Rangers boss was quizzed last week on how he planned for his side to cut the gap back on the league leaders, and stated that the Light Blues had to win every game while the 'other team' had to drop points. Beale now insists he meant no disrespect to his Glasgow counterparts as the Englishman wants his side to do the talking on the pitch.
Beale had a successful debut as new boss after returning to Ibrox following a few years away, producing a second-half comeback that saw goals from Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos. Now the Light Blues gaffer faces two lengthy away trips this week, with Jim Goodwin's men up first before a trip to Dingwall on Friday.
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The Rangers boss was keen to stress his honour to be back coaching in Scotland and says he didn't get to this spot by being disrespectful. The Ibrox man also took time to praise Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou for his 'impressive' tenure.
He said: "The other day I used the term 'other team'. I'm new back in to the country but I didn't get where I am being disrespectful to anybody. I was asked the question about being nine points behind and my answer was that we have to win and the other team has to lose. That wasn't in anyway disrespectful and I want to cut that short.
"I've got no issue with naming other team's names - Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs or whoever it is - no way am I going to be disrespectful. Between now and the end of the season we have to win every game - including three Old Firms and pick up goal difference to get in front. We know its a tough ask but the bigger thing around that is can we get them team playing how I think football should look. Can the players look like they're happy playing for the shirt, being together.
"That bit the other day I don't like that because that's not who I am. In that comment, it was a very innocent comment, that has been taken too far. I am a coach who respects the fact I can come back in to this league, I enjoy it. There are very good managers in this league. Everybody in this league has to have a development plan.
"What Ange Postecoglou has done in his time is very impressive but it's important now we get back on the journey I had here previously with Steven and become impressive again aswell."
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