Michael Beale has ‘big, big problem’ after Old Firm loss as new signings ‘haven’t connected’
The new attacking signings at Rangers “haven’t clicked” and “haven’t connected” yet this season which is causing Michael Beale a “big, big problem”, according to Chris Sutton.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the presenter and Celtic hero was quick to aim blame at the new boys up top who featured in the Gers’ 1-0 Old Firm defeat, noting that Beale “doesn’t need to tell them” what the problem is after the boos around Ibrox made it clear.
Cyriel Dessers failed to have a shot in the game, while Sam Lammers and Danilo proved ineffective substitutes in the clash as Celtic returned to the summit of the league table.
Sutton said: “In the final third, Rangers’ recruitment comes under scrutiny. They haven’t clicked, they haven’t connected and that’s a big, big problem for Michael Beale.
“Over two legs [against PSV Eindhoven], they were found wanting. Beale doesn’t need to tell them this, you heard the boos at the end. A stadium full of boos and a lot of angry bears in here. He is under pressure.”
Same old story
It’s the same old story for Beale and his new signings. A lack of cutting-edge in the final third was once again the Gers’ downfall as they awarded Brenden Rodgers with his tenth Old Firm victory as Celtic boss.
Many perhaps thought these issues had been ironed out after their 2-2 draw to PSV in the first leg of UCL qualification and some improved league performances.
Now, on the back of a 5-1 thrashing and this derby defeat, Beale is back to square one in trying to convince the fans, the hierarchy and perhaps even himself that he’s the right man to change the fortunes at Ibrox.
Rangers were not shocking in the game and some decent performances, especially Todd Cantwell and Jack Butland, saved some blushes. With two disallowed goals and a controversial penalty call on Cantwell, the scoreline could have been very different if a bit of luck had gone their way.
But football is never that simple. What is simple to see, however, is that it is imperative that Beale addresses his “big, big problem”. Perhaps now the high-pressure games have been played, Beale can focus on these improvements without the anxiety that comes with the Champions League and the Old Firm.
But we’ve read this story before, and the manager often does not become the hero in the end.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan has called for a “parliamentary inquiry” after a Rangers embarrassment