Rangers defeated Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly last Saturday in Michael Beale’s first game in charge
| Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow Date: Thursday 15 December Time: 20:00 GMT |
| Cover: Listen to commentary and follow text updates on the ` Sport website and app; Check out the highlights on Sportscene |
On the eve of his first competitive game in charge of Rangers, Michael Beale said he was “very comfortable in and around the building, in and around the city, in and around this squad”.
His first 17 days on the job was a smooth reintroduction to Glasgow and Scottish football after the Englishman left with Steven Gerrard when they left Ibrox for Aston Villa just over a year ago.
On Thursday his happiness will be put to the test, although a struggling Hibernian will be welcome visitors at Ibrox when the Scottish Premiership resumes after the World Cup break.
With a Rangers shrouded in darkness after a disappointing few months, what lies ahead for the 42-year-old – who has just 22 games to his tally as Queens Park Rangers manager?
“I’m aware of the responsibility of this job and the expectation,” added Beale. “That’s what I wanted, so I came back with my eyes wide open. I’m sure I’m going to have some tough days, but it’s important that we move forward with a clear identity.”
What are the main problems?
On his return to the club, Beale insisted Rangers were not ‘broken’ but his appointment is evident all was not well at Ibrox ahead of the World Cup break.
The Englishman has mentioned his side’s ‘identity on the pitch’ several times over the past two weeks and the first evidence is that his Rangers squad looks different to that of his predecessor Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Under the Dutchman, Rangers have been accused of not having a discernible plan of attack. It became common to see balls flying aimlessly into the box rather than constructing play patterns. Fans grew weary of their team’s lack of wit.
Compare that to Beale’s first game in charge, a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. “It has to be up front, we have to play like the big team, so we have to take the ball and watch it with excitement,” said the 43-year-old.
And so it was. Ryan Kent was given license to roam the front line, take a seat and fight his way into promising positions. “I was pleased with the enthusiasm and intensity of the players,” said former Ibrox forward Mark Hateley.
But while Kent could turn out to be part of the answer to one problem, the attacker is also part of another problem.
He is out of contract in the summer, as is striker Alfredo Morelos. Ditto for the experienced midfield trio of Scott Arfield, Steven Davis and Ryan Jack.
Rangers’ recruitment last year was not a success. Notice how familiar their starting XI is to whoever won the title the season before last.
Ultimately, Van Bronckhorst paid the price for it, so Beale will be keeping an extra close eye on the next couple of games leading up to the opening of the January window when assessing where he needs to strengthen.
Former Rangers forward Steven Thompson described the task ahead as a “massive remodeling” with the next two transfer windows being the “most important the club has had in recent years”. So no pressure on the rookie manager.
Is the title race over?
Closing a nine-point deficit may seem unlikely, but it’s not entirely insurmountable. Celtic were six behind last Christmas but led the Premiership in early February.
Before the break, Celtic were out of action, scoring 16 more goals and only dropping points to St Mirren. In games where Ange Postecoglou’s side lost the lead late on – against Dundee United and St Johnstone – they found a way to victory.
While they never stop, Rangers are slow to start. Late equalizers against Livingston and St Mirren saved points to keep the gap in single digits.
Rangers almost certainly cannot afford to drop points or lose the New Year’s derby in December. In fact, they might not even have the wiggle room to even make a mistake by the end of the campaign.
A win over the ailing Hibs would cut the gap to six points, with the leaders visiting third-placed Aberdeen on Saturday.
Rangers have lost just one of their last 46 home games in the league – against Celtic last season – and are unbeaten in their last 16 top-flight encounters with Hibs, making an opening-night surprise from Beale unlikely.
“After a break you can’t wait to get back in and get going again,” said captain James Tavernier. “It’s new faces, new tactics and a fresh start for the team. We have to keep going.”
What are the fans saying?
It’s safe to say that the reaction to Beale’s return was mixed among those who spoke to ` Scotland.
While his familiarity with the club and group of players made him an early frontrunner, some fans feel “a little lacking,” he said Jan. “It all points to a lazy search by the board.”
“We have to get the team to play well,” he added Anthony. “I’m a bit worried about the loyalty the club is showing to the players who I think have let the club down for far too long. I think this season is already over and we need to rebuild the team.”
The age-old debate ‘when is a title over without being mathematically over?’ continues.
While Olivier got straight to the point and said, “The league is over”, Frazer offers more optimism with, “It’s never over. Only if or when the players think it’s over then.”
What’s less controversial is the weight of the Old Firm fight. ronnie added: “With three Old Firm games to play it’s not over yet. Victory in the derby in January puts pressure on Celtic. It’s still doable.”
If the form does not load properly, here you go directly…
Comments are closed.