Steven Thompson shares ‘so big’ Rangers verdict amid ‘massive week’ for Michael Beale
Michael Beale is currently involved in the “biggest week” of his Rangers career, according to BBC pundit Steven Thompson.
The Gers travel to PSV for the second leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday (30 August), with the tie currently 2-2 on aggregate.
Beale’s men then host fierce rivals Celtic in league action on Sunday (3 September) in the first Old Firm derby of the new season.
“It’s a massive week for Michael Beale; the biggest week of his Rangers career,” Thompson said on the Scottish Football Podcast (29 August).
“If he can get through this tie, it’s just so big for the club in terms of finance, in terms of prestige for the supporters.”
Pressure is on
As with every Rangers manager that has come before him and all those that will come after him, Beale has been under pressure right from the very off at Ibrox.
There is very little room for error at the Scottish giants, with the passionate Rangers fans expecting success from day one. It is a very high pressure job, and Beale has performed it admirably so far, but now comes the real test for the boss.
First up is a massive match against Dutch giants PSV, in a repeat of last season’s Champions League play-off, where Rangers went through thanks to a 1-0 win away from home after a 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
The Gers also drew 2-2 at home this time around, putting in a top shift in front of their home fans to remain in the tie.
Then comes the big one domestically, with the club’s noisy neighbours making the short trip across Glasgow, in what is a hugely important match for Beale’s reputation in the dugout.
In other Rangers news, Steven Davis has sent a message to Ianis Hagi following his loan exit from the Ibrox club.