Michael Beale qualities bode well for Rangers, he already follows Sir Alex Ferguson advice – Alex McLeish
The situation at Rangers “bodes well” for Michael Beale because he has the backing of the players, according to former manager Alex McLeish.
The Gers manager has delivered a noticeable improvement in results since taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the World Cup break, but has slipped in his two meetings with Celtic so far with a draw and a defeat and the SPFL title was out of reach before he arrived.
Treble-winning predecessor McLeish likes what he sees in terms of the playing style and the support of the players, and is positive about the fact that legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson always advised tempo which Beale already aims for.
The former Ibrox boss said, as per the Scottish Daily Express: “I think Michael has a good rapport with his players.
“That bodes well when the players are buying into what you want to do. In the end, everyone must give everything for the club. Michael’s come in and he’s definitely got the backing of the players. They love working with him. Hopefully they can get to a level where the competition in the league is tighter than it is at the moment.
“I met Michael at a dinner a few weeks ago. He’s a nice guy, he has good good ideas and he only wants the best for Rangers.
“In terms of advice, Sir Alex Ferguson’s voice always rings in my ears when someone asks that. His advice was always, ‘play with tempo’. That’s something Michael tries to do anyway.”
Glowing endorsement
It may only be words but in Scottish football it isn’t a bad thing to receive a positive assessment from ‘Big Eck’, with Ferguson cited for good measure.
On the pitch there has certainly been a big improvement, but unfortunately for Beale it isn’t going to mean much if he can’t overturn Celtic.
The players do seem to be playing for the former QPR boss, even if Alfredo Morelos appears to be not entirely co-operative off the pitch, and since he has only brought in two signings it was paramount that he lifted the incumbents.
There is sure to be more movement in the summer, so getting the recruitment right is going to be crucial in reeling in Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Ross Wilson and the board have come under fire for exactly that reason, with a number of the arrivals prior to the season not having much of an impact at all so far, especially due to injuries.
The Scottish Cup represents a key final chance to land a blow before the end of the campaign, and is likely to determine the mood heading into the summer, so Beale is going to need to avoid a similar anticlimax to the one provided by the Viaplay Cup final on 26 February.
In other Rangers news, data analytics companies have identified an Ibrox ace as a target to replace a European star.