Michael Beale warned he could face ‘backlash’ from Rangers fans if Danilo start next game
Michael Beale could face a “backlash” from the Rangers supporters if he doesn’t start Danilo against Servette FC, according to Dean Jones.
The Brazilian forward, who signed from Feyenoord on 28 July, only came on as a second-half substitute in the Gers’ 1-0 loss at Kilmarnock on 5 August.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on 8 August, former Eurosport journalist Jones warned that Beale could open himself up to criticism if the 24-year-old doesn’t get the nod on Wednesday night (9 August) in the Champions League third qualifying round tie against the Swiss club.
“It’s surprising Danilo wasn’t in the starting XI [against Kilmarnock] and I think, moving forward, almost any fan would put Danilo in a team they were drawing up,” said Jones.
“I’d imagine the European game is an opportunity to put this into action and if that doesn’t happen and things don’t go well, there could be a bit of backlash.”
Has to start
There is no doubt that Danilo simply has to start in what is a massive game for Rangers and Beale against Servette in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
The Gers boss is already under pressure following the opening day defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend and he simply can’t afford another poor result so early on in the season.
That means he needs to have his best players on the pitch from the start and that includes Danilo, who had an excellent season on his way to helping Feyenoord lift the Eredivisie title in the last campaign.
The side looked pretty toothless in front of goal against Kilmarnock as they failed to score in the game, so the Brazilian would potentially add more of a threat up top.
It’s an opportunity to let the new signing light up Ibrox and it’s one that Beale potentially can’t afford to miss if he wants his side to be in a good position heading into the second leg.
In other Rangers news, the Gers boss could already be staring down the barrel after the opening day defeat.