MICHAEL BEALE insists he wasn't being disrespectful when he labelled Celtic as 'the other team' in the Premiership title race.
Beale was asked about the chances of Rangers challenging for the silverware this term ahead of his first match in charge against Hibernian last week.
He has come in for bizarre criticism in some quarters for opting not to name Celtic in his answer to a question at his press conference on Wednesday.
And the Ibrox boss, speaking ahead of the trip to Aberdeen, has now clarified his position following accusations that he showed a lack of respect across the Old Firm divide.
Beale said: “Listen, the other day I used a term - ‘other team’ - but I’m new back into the country and I didn’t get where I am being disrespectful.
“I was asked a question, ‘You’re nine points behind…’ and my answer was, ‘Well the other team have to lose some’.
“That wasn’t in any way me being disrespectful. I want to cut that short where that is.
“I’ve got no issue naming the other team’s names. Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs, 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 the three Old Firms, and pick up our goal difference to get in front. So we know it’s a tough ask.
“The bigger thing around that is can we get the team looking how I think we should look?
“Are the players looking like they’re happy playing for the shirt and are the fans having the team they watch? Are they excited by the team and pulling in the same direction?
“That’s the job for me and my management team. But that bit the other day, I don’t like that because it’s not what I am.
“That was a very innocent team that’s been taken too far because I’m a coach that respects (others).
“I’ve come back into this league because I enjoy it. I think there’s very good managers in this league.
“I think what Ange Postecoglou has done in his time is very impressive.
“It’s important now we get back on the journey I had previously here with Steven and we become impressive again as well."
