RANGERS manager Michael Beale has laughed off suggestions there is ill feeling between him and his Celtic counterpart Ange Postecoglou on the eve of the Viaplay Cup final and stated he has “huge respect” for his rival.
The Englishman made headlines last month when he described Postecoglou as a “lucky man” because of the amount of money the Greek-Australian coach has had to spend on players since arriving at Parkhead.
The two men sat together at a sponsor’s press conference ahead of the cup final at Hampden on Tuesday and many in the media described the atmosphere between them as “awkward” afterwards.
However, Beale has stressed he admires the job his opposite number has done in Scotland and argued that Rangers and Celtic managers should follow the example set by Walter Smith and Tommy Burns despite the intense rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs.
“There is a huge mutual respect,” he said as he looked ahead to the cup final between Rangers and Celtic tomorrow.
“It’s fine. We can laugh about it (rumours of a rift) because we know there is nothing there. There is nothing between me and him. There is a lot of respect there. We can speak openly when we bump into each other at the games and what not.
“I think the job he has done since he has come in to the country has been fantastic. He has helped recruit players from a part of the world and brought players in who have really shone a light on our game.
“It is my job to build a strong Rangers and try and move them out of the way. At this moment in time, we have two excellent teams in the country and we try to show that when we go into European competition.
“I think we were better than what both teams showed in terms of points in Europe this year and I think we will both show that next year. I think both clubs are in real healthy positions. It is okay for me to say that just because I have put on a blue jacket. You respect everybody in the game and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Asked if he thought it was important for Rangers and Celtic managers to get along, he said: “Listen, we have seen both sides of it down the years haven’t we. Walter and Tommy Burns, that was really a nice moment when they worked together with the national team.
“I thought it set an example to those who follow afterwards. I think we should always remember that.”
