Borna Barisic left out by Michael Beale for lack of commitment but ‘no doubt’ better option – Stephen McGinn
Michael Beale dropped Rangers defender Borna Barisic after the Croatian played for his national side despite being unavailable for the Old Firm, according to Stephen McGinn.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (19 September), the Falkirk captain suspected that Beale was unimpressed by Barisic’s seeming lack of commitment to the side compared to his national team.
In Rangers’ last clash, Barisic was dropped for Ridvan Yilmaz against St Johnstone, but McGinn noted the 30-year-old’s significant ability compared to Yilmaz.
McGinn said, as quoted by the Daily Record: “Michael Beale sounded like he wasn’t overly happy with members of his defensive unit over the past few games and it was very interesting to see if there was a change [against St Johnstone].
“Obviously he has left out Barisic for Yilmaz. I wondered if missing Celtic has anything to do with it. You weren’t available for us and all of a sudden you went away and played the two games for Croatia when we needed you last week.
“There is no doubt Borna Barisic is a better player than Yilmaz and he brings a huge quality on the ball, a delivery into the box and at set pieces.”
Interesting
McGinn certainly suggests that Beale is holding some kind of grudge against the Croatian. While it’s understandable that a manager would be frustrated by a lack of commitment, perhaps Beale’s decision was tactical rather than emotional.
Barisic is the better option compared to Yilmaz and has been a prolific goal-creator already this season, with four assists in all competitions with just seven appearances.
He was an absolute mainstay for Rangers last season, featuring for almost every league fixture for the full 90 minutes. Barisic also featured for his national side during the international break, meaning his absence at McDiarmid Park was most likely fitness-related.
However, McGinn’s speculation may not be without its merit. Barisic could have made a big impact in the Old Firm – the most important fixture of the Gers season so far. If the Croatian was saving himself for international duty rather than being at Beale’s disposal, then the boss’ frustration would be justified.
McGinn, of course, is only theorising. Barisic will look to continue his good form so far and help his side out of their slump, and Beale can’t afford to hold grudges against his better players.
In other Rangers news, a never-seen-before player was spotted in Gers training on Monday amid a recent international development.