Michael Beale makes squad ultimatum after Rangers loss v Celtic in Old Firm today
Rangers manager Michael Beale has pledged to make the required changes to his squad with some players set to have no future at the club if they cannot meet his demands.
The 42-year old also stated that he needs more, in different aspects as he makes preparations for his first full season in charge at Ibrox.
The former QPR boss was pleased with some aspects of his side’s display in the 3-2 derby loss to Celtic whilst he bemoaned the individual errors and big calls from referee Kevin Clancy which all contributed to an eventful encounter at Parkhead.
After the game, Beale told BBC Sport Scotland what he wants to see going forward: “I want more from my players.
“I want more from my players day in, day out. I want more from my football club in terms when we go to recruit this summer. We’re not a million miles away, but we have to make steps and move forward, that’s sure. We’ve shown improvements since I’ve come into the club.
“I’ve been happy with the application of the boys but I need more from them. We need more for our fans. We don’t want to come away from these games disappointed.
“I need to see the intensity from our players raise consistently and that might mean that some in the squad won’t see their futures here. That’s fine. And we’ll go and build a stronger Rangers moving forward.”
Ultimatum.
Beale will have learned more about his squad in Saturday’s Old Firm clash.
The calamitous errors in defence cannot be repeated, but that is an ongoing theme from recent fixtures against Celtic.
In the big moments, his players did not quite deliver, whilst Ange Postecoglou’s men did what was required.
It is another stinging defeat which ends any lingering title aspirations for Rangers but the chance for redemption of sorts, is just three weeks away. At the end of the month, the teams collide once again at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
It is a must-win game for Rangers and Beale, who can draw inspiration from a better performance at Parkhead whilst still having plenty of room for improvement.
A 50/50 split at the national stadium will be a far different backdrop to what the players experienced on Saturday but on the pitch, they will need to make amends. Beale is right to demand more, particularly in attack.
In other Rangers news, another Ibrox exit may be on the cards after a major revelation recently which could force the clubs to part ways with a senior player.