Ex-Rangers star Marco Negri shares potential ‘turning point’ for Michael Beale’s season
A victory in the Viaplay Cup could prove a “turning point” for Rangers’ season as it could “help glue the team”, according to Macro Negri.
Speaking with the Daily Record (14 September), the ex-Gers striker claimed that with Celtic no longer in the competition, Beale’s side have the perfect chance to boost their confidence with a trophy.
The Viaplay Cup final is scheduled to be played on 17 December, offering Beale a chance to change the spirit of the dressing room in the coming months.
As reported by the Daily Record, Negri said: “It could be a turning point for this team. Confidence is something you must have to be competitive in Europe and domestically.
“So winning the Viaplay Cup could be even more important for this team than just lifting a trophy. It would give the new players a boost and help glue the team. I think it’s so important that Rangers do not let this opportunity go.”
Hopeful
On paper, Negri is spot on. Celtic suffered a surprise defeat against Kilmarnock in the second round of the competition, leaving the Cup clear for Rangers to win a trophy. Ranger’s victory over Morton meanwhile secured them a spot in th final eight.
However, it is looking more and more unlikely that Beale will be at the club in December for him to have the chance to win the trophy – a trophy Rangers have won more than any other side.
The Gers hierarchy is already looking for options to replace Beale, with The Sun claiming (13 September) that they offered former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter the job, but he declined in search of Champions League football.
The writing looks to be on the wall already. That being said, if Beale is kept in the job for a while longer and he can switch his fortunes around, then he may have the chance to win his first piece of silverware with the club.
He would be disappointed to be among the few permanent Rangers managers to leave the club without a trophy, with Pedro Caixinha the last man to do so after his 227-day stint.
A trophy lift would do a lot to “glue” the squad together, but if that hasn’t been done by Christmas time, then there would be very few hopes of the Gers having a memorable season.
In other Rangers news, Sir Alex Ferguson has shared his thoughts on Gers fans’ “dignity” after their 2012 liquidation.