John Hartson defends Michael Beale’s Rangers selection decision in Viaplay Cup final defeat v Celtic
John Hartson has defended Michael Beale’s Rangers selection against Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final on Sunday.
The Gers left Hampden Park empty-handed after the 2-1 defeat to Ange Postecoglou’s side in a somewhat underwhelming performance against their Old Firm rivals.
In what was arguably Beale’s biggest test in his managerial career so far, there was major criticism for the team the former QPR manager put out against the Gers’ fierce rivals.
Beale went for a midfield-pairing of Glen Kamara and John Lundstram, with the latter reportedly a doubt ahead of the game, ahead of January signing Raskin who started on the bench.
However, Hoops hero Harton backed Beale over his choices, insisting Beale would have been praised for his selection had they won the game.
Speaking to Go Radio’s Football Show [as transcribed by Glasgow Evening Times, 28 February], he said: “He’s gone with what he feels was his best, fit 11 players. Now, Tillman’s been very good for him in recent weeks.
“Yes, Lundstram has been lacking that game time, he’s missed several games, but Lundstram has been a big player for him. He’s been a big player for Rangers since he arrived.
“It’s always easy to talk in the aftermath. If Rangers had gone and did okay, then it would have been the correct decision.
“I know it’s all ifs and buts and what may have been, but he’s gone with the team that he felt would impact Celtic on the day.”
Spot on
Hartson is spot on, had Rangers gone on to win the final, Beale will have been praised for his selection rather than criticised. A manager can never win in these circumstances, they are either the hero or the villain if their decisions backfire or not.
The former QPR manager chose the team he thought could match and triumph over Celtic but it wasn’t to be. At the end of the day, it’s up to the players given the opportunity to perform Beale’s instructions to the letter.
The players failed to deliver, and of course, it was Beale who would have to get caught on the end of much criticism. It’s his first defeat as Rangers boss and he will certainly learn a lot of lessons.
However, the decision to start Lundstram was indeed a huge risk considering he was a doubt before the match but with the player’s experience and know-how in such circumstances, Beale felt he could not do without.
While losing a major final is a missed opportunity for Beale to kickstart his Rangers revolution, the Gers cannot be discouraged for the remainder of the campaign. They can still cause their rivals major headaches in the race for the league title.
In other Rangers news, the fans must do more to get Douglas Park and Ross Wilson out of the club because enough is enough.