Kenny Miller: Europe could be Michael Beale’s ‘saviour’ but domestic success remains Rangers ‘priority’
European success could be Michael Beale’s “saviour” at Rangers, but domestic success is his “priority”, according to Kenny Miller.
Writing for the Daily Record (17 September), Miller pointed to Rangers’ European opener against Real Betis on Thursday (21 September) as a “catalyst” of their potential in the competition, suggesting success could help him keep his job if domestic form drops.
Beale eased some pressure with a 2-0 away victory against St Johnstone on Saturday (16 September) but remains in the firing line after a poor start to the season.
Sky Sports pundit Miller wrote: “But Europe might just be his saviour – for a while at least. A win over Real Betis at Ibrox on Thursday night in their opening Europa League fixture might just relieve some of the strain. The Spaniards are Rangers’ main rivals to win the group. And I expect both to progress to the knock-out phase. Beating them would be a statement of intent from Rangers. A marker put down.
“It could be the catalyst for a run in the competition. And given the club’s experience of two years ago, we all know how special that could be. Listen, the priority for Michael – or any Rangers gaffer – is the Premiership and winning the league. And after losing to Celtic in the first derby match they’re in a difficult position. They can’t afford more slip-ups before the October international break. But when things aren’t going well domestically, success in Europe helps.”
Marker
Real Betis, as Miller makes clear, are the Gers’ toughest opponents in their Europa League and an impressive display in front of the Ibrox faithful could go a long way to recoup some faith.
Sparta Prague and Cypriot side Aris Limassol will also be welcomed to Ibrox before Christmas, but the La Liga side under the tenure of Manuel Pellegrini are favourites to make it out of the group.
Beale would have to have some remarkable success on the continent to keep his job if the domestic form drops significantly. Being four points behind Celtic is below expectations and domestic success is far more achievable for the Gers, on paper, than European success.
Real momentum will come when, or if, Rangers reach the knockout stages of the competition. Considering their draw, the hierarchy will expect to pass the group stage with relative ease, but victories against the tougher opponents will certainly help raise Beale’s stock.
That’s if he remains in the job long enough to get the chance. One more domestic slip-up could spell the end for the Englishman, so any “marker” set down would have to be a good one.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd was wowed by an “unbelievable” moment in the Gers’ victory over St Johnstone.