Michael Beale was involved in countless Old Firm games as Steven Gerrard’s No.2. But NOTHING will prepare him for stepping out on Monday as the club’s No.1.
As Rangers gaffer, he needs to come up with a game plan that gives his team a chance of beating Celtic. That’s Michael’s job now. It’s why he decided to sit in the hotseat. And make no mistake, your first derby game in Glasgow – for any manager – is massive. It’s his first proper test in the dugout.
Unlike his three-and-a-half-year stint at Ibrox before, he’s the man now. This is his time and it’s a big moment in his managerial career. He’ll know the magnitude of it. He has to put a marker down because you can’t go two, three, four Old Firms without winning one. You want to get in and strike early. Just like successful Rangers and Celtic gaffers have done in the past.
So far, Beale’s been relying on other teams to try and take points off Celtic and get Rangers back in the title race. But now HE can influence it himself. This is Michael’s chance to put a dent in Celtic. It’s an opportunity to stop this green-and-white juggernaut that have won 12 games on the bounce.
On top of that, he can close the gap at the top of the league. Winning would still leave Rangers with a mountain to climb in the title race. But Michael can at least ask a question of Celtic’s character – if they can handle their rivals breathing down their neck.
As manager, he’s had four wins out of four. He couldn’t have asked for a better start. But he’s not been happy with the level of performance. And Celtic are the team bang in form. Even off a 3-0 victory over Motherwell the other night, Beale still wasn’t satisfied.
Having control of the derby will be crucial and the midfield joust will be key. It looks like it will be John Lundstram, Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack up against Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and either Matt O’Riley or Aaron Mooy. That’s a monumental battle, will probably be a man-for-man match-up.
Those are six very good players and it will come down to who can impose themselves and put the most pressure on their direct rival. And Rangers must have their say. They can’t allow themselves to be dictated to in there. They have to stop Celtic’s flow because, at their best, Postecoglou’s team pin you back. They’ve already done it to Rangers twice at Parkhead.
They force you into your own half to defend, which allows them to have sustained pressure. If Beale is going to get anything from this game, he has to stop that happening. Gio van Bronckhorst addressed it towards the end of last season in the Old Firm games, particularly the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
There are no excuses for Michael not to know what to expect. It’s about having a plan that allows Rangers to stamp their authority on the game. Like every derby match, moments will decide the outcome. But having control gives you a better chance of creating these moments.
Rangers could deploy someone to sit on McGregor, who dictates Celtic’s tempo. But top players like McGregor can always find space. And if Rangers did that, for me, they’d have already lost a small psychological battle before the game has even kicked off.
Celtic are in incredible form. They’ve won 18 of their last 19 games and they’re scoring from all areas of the pitch. But Rangers have to believe they can disrupt their rhythm.
There is a different feeling among these players now with Michael in charge. And if they can close the gap by winning, it just lets Celtic know they’re still there. It would be five victories in a row for the manager and suddenly Rangers would be the team building momentum and a winning run.
There is always a lot riding on this fixture for both clubs and supporters. But on a personal level for Michael, it’s huge. His players have under-performed this season. But his team now has a familiar look about it again, when you think back to his time with Steven.
Kamara and Jack are back, Alfredo Morelos is in place up front. He’s got Connor Goldson back in defence, which is a big positive.
The right players are available and, remember, this is a team that went unbeaten to become champions just two seasons ago. In Glasgow, Old Firm managers are judged on their derby record and winning trophies. He’ll feel it and will be a proud man stepping out at Ibrox as manager against Celtic.
This is on him now. He has to stop the best team in the league and a really good manager in Ange. He’s had everything his own way at Parkhead so far but he’s had to earn the right to get that.
Ange’s team will come to Ibrox expecting to win and put the final nail in Rangers’ title hopes. Michael knows that. The question is, can he flip it? Can Rangers fly out the traps and gain the ascendancy? I can’t wait to find out the answers.
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