Rangers warned over Isco at Ibrox as controversial switch proves ‘masterstroke’ after alleged attack
Rangers must “beware” of “golden boy” Isco who will be looking to put them “to the sword” for Real Betis, according to John McGarry.
The Mail journalist wrote for the Mail+ website on 20 September that the former Real Madrid star’s arrival at the Gers’ Europa League opponents has already proven a “masterstroke” despite the “controversy generated” by switching from city rivals Sevilla where he was a “sworn enemy a year ago”.
Having left the Santiago Bernabeu after nine seasons the midfielder had his Sevilla contract terminated after just five months last December, after he was allegedly attacked by former director Monchi who he claims grabbed him by the throat – an episode which the now-Aston Villa chief has refused to comment on.
He went without a club until this summer but has now become a fan favourite at Betis and is set to be one of Michael Beale’s main concerns at Ibrox on Thursday (21 September).
Danger man
Isco’s fall from regular trophy-winner and star at Real Madrid to bombed out of Sevilla and not picked up anywhere appeared rapid, but he reportedly rejected various offers before arriving at Betis.
If he has already won over the fans of whom he was briefly a hated rival then he looks to be back on track, and will no doubt pose a major threat to Rangers.
While few will be expecting Beale to lead the Light Blues to the final the same spectacular fashion that Giovanni van Bronckhorst did two seasons ago it still vital for the current boss to avoid another European embarrassment.
His job has been under the spotlight in a big way since he followed up a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of PSV Eindhoven with a 1-0 loss at home to Celtic before the international break.
The 2-0 win at St Johnstone at the weekend kept the wolves from the door for now but that could soon change if an Isco-inspired Betis side come to Glasgow and inflict a heavy defeat.
Beale will therefore have to set up his side to provide a sustained threat of their own while hoping the Spanish international hasn’t got all the way back to his best yet or he could be staring down the barrel again come the end of the week.
In other Rangers news, a former referee has admitted he was “really irked” by the controversy in the Old Firm derby after Celtic came out on top of another decision.