Michael Beale fired out a warning that he wants “more from my football club” in terms of recruitment in the summer.
He admitted some players won’t be part of his Rangers rebuild after watching his battling side go down to defeat against champions-elect Celtic at Parkhead. Beale says his he needs more energy and intensity going forward following the 3-2 loss at the home of the Hoops and that might spell the end for some of the current crop as he also called on backing in the summer to assemble a squad that can challenge Ange Postecoglou’s side who are on the brink of two-in-a-row while beating them in this month's Scottish Cup semi-final in the short term. But he is adamant the gap between the sides isn't as big as the 12 points that separates them just now.
Following the defeat, with James Tavernier netting a double to take his tally at the club to 100 goals, the Londoner said: “I want more from my players day in, day out. I want more from my football club in terms of when we go to recruit this summer. We’re not a million miles away but we have to make steps and move forward. We’ve shown an improvement since I’ve come into the club, I’ve been happy with the application of the boys but we need more for our fans.
“We need people to come into the team and start and push the guys who are playing today to make us stronger. We still need more energy on the pitch and bravery in certain moments. You get out of football what you put in every single day. I want to go on a journey with one or two players and some freshness coming into the building will be exciting not only for the squad but for the fans as well.
“You can see what Todd and Nico have given us in terms of a push. Five or six more coming in during the summer to refresh the group will be important and we’ll be a stronger Rangers for it. The league has been an uphill battle since I came in. The team has done ever so well to keep it going this long. We lick our wounds, do well in the next seven games and come back strong next season. I need to see the intensity from my players raised consistently and that might mean some in the squad won’t see their futures here. That’s fine, we’ll go and build a stronger Rangers moving forward.
“We don't want to come away from these games disappointed. If we play similar to this level in three weeks time and eradicate one or two mistakes then it will be a very interesting game. We need to continue with our league form for the next seven games and when it comes to that game at Hampden we need to eradicate mistakes and be more ruthless in the box.
“We deserved more from this game but we don’t get anything from it. Nobody will remember we played well but we certainly have to take something and move forward. Today was a pure performance from the team in terms of energy and application to the gameplan.
“Celtic are a good side, take nothing away from them. They caused us problems but we also caused them problems. I’m certain the gap isn’t as big as what it is but that’s not a good thing for me to say after we lost 3-2. We shouldn’t have got beat today.”
Tavernier’s double - the first a free kick screamer - was the big plus for Gers and Beale said: “It’s incredible for a right back. It’s not an easy thing being manager of such a big club, certainly when you’re not picking up trophies, but what that boy gives this team and the improvement he’s made over the years has been fantastic. He scores at the rate of a striker and assists as well so that’s a fantastic milestone for him. When the dust settles on this game and the disappointment it’s important he gets the accolades for that achievement.”
READ NEXT
