Michael Beale is at times lauded by the Scottish media as a bit of a ‘super coach’. It is true that the Rangers have gotten better since his arrival but despite that, they have failed when up against Celtic. Thus one has to wonder, do his skills lie beyond the team set up and coaching drills and in the motivational areas?
He does seem to create controversy with his comments at times, when talking with the media about his side. But it is hard to see how his latest comments will motivate his side.
One would think that he would be keen to rebuild some confidence amongst his players after they lost to Celtic again recently and widened the gap in the league to 12 points. Thus, the league hopes seem as good as over for the Rangers.
There have also been off the field changes with Ross Wilson recently moving to Nottingham Forest to become their chief football officer. And Douglas Park resigned as the chairman of the club earlier this month.
Beale handed new problem amid struggles vs Celtic
The league title may be realistically out of reach, but in a so far trophyless season, the Rangers’ next big task is to try to overcome Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park later this month. That is why some of Beale’s recent comments have confused people.
As reported by the Daily Record, the Rangers manager told talkSPORT:
"“The group has given given me what they can and we’re probably four or five players from being where I want us to be. That’s nothing against the players that are playing just now, it will just make us stronger.”"
If you take into account the ones who have contracts expiring, those who can’t get into the starting line up and those who are demoralised anyway after the latest Celtic defeat, those comments do not sound like a confidence booster before the vital Scottish Cup semi-final. And while Beale might be looking for several new players, his biggest supporter at the club seems to have walked out.
As reported by Sky Sports in the past, Beale had said about Wilson:
"“I think he was the driver, maybe, in me coming back, along with other members of the board.“They saw the work I did here before, they saw that I was moving towards being a manager.“As I say the job Steven did here was incredible, but he was the boss then Gary (McAllister) and myself.“They obviously saw something in me to invite me back and that gives me the confidence to come in and do the job.“Myself and Ross have always had a hugely positive relationship because we have a massive enthusiasm for the game and we’re almost like football nerds.“We watch every game on the tv, we know all the players so we have that in common. We won’t stop night and day to push this club forward.”"
Celtic under Ange Postecoglou’s careful management are not expected to become complacent. They will know it’s a huge game coming up at Hampden Park. They will also know that the club will be looking to strengthen their squad in the summer, as they have done in every transfer window during the time of the Australian. A frightening thought perhaps for the Ibrox supporters.