Michael Beales issued an apology to the club’s loyal supporters following their disheartening Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven. Taking full accountability for the unfortunate outcome, Beale recognized that the responsibility ultimately rests on his shoulders.
Beale had hoped to emulate the success of his predecessor, Gio van Bronckhorst, by guiding the Light Blues into the upper echelons of European football. Despite a 2-2 draw against Peter Bosz’s side in the previous week, Rangers were unable to contain their opponents on home turf.
Beale admitted that his team was clearly outplayed by the formidable Eredivisie giants. Speaking with regret, he offered his apologies to the devoted 2000 fans who had traveled to support the team, saying, “Obviously hugely disappointed with the result tonight. I felt over the two legs we were unable handle de Jong and Saibari in both legs. In key moments in the game, certainly at set plays as well, we concede. Listen, the buck stops with me. I wasn’t happy with losing the way that we lost tonight. There were moments in the game that could have gone for us.”
While Beale highlighted the moments that might have shifted the tide in their favor, he expressed his profound frustration at the outcome of the match. He extended a heartfelt apology to the fans, who had stood by the team through thick and thin: “An apology to the fans that came across. They stuck with the team in both legs and they expect a little bit more than what they got.”
As PSV confidently advances to the group stage draw of the Champions League, Rangers must come to terms with their place in the Europa League draw on Friday. Beale remained pragmatic about the upcoming challenges, noting that the team still has room for improvement as they navigate the second-tier European competition. “We’ll now see what the Europa League draw brings. We are not going to deny being disappointed,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the tough draw against PSV, Beale underlined the strength of the Europa League teams, which includes formidable opponents like Liverpool. However, he emphasized that the journey for his newly formed team has just begun and that their main focus should be on domestic competition.
In response to suggestions that his team suffered a heavy defeat in Holland, Beale was quick to counter, stating, “Ok that’s your words [hammering], but they were ruthless. The level between this competition and the domestic is different.” Despite the setback, Beale remained resolute, determined to lift his team’s spirits ahead of the upcoming Old Firm derby against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Beale stated, “We’ll dust ourselves off. Sunday is a huge game but it’s the perfect one for us to go into.” He believed that the derby could be a turning point for his team and that the challenge would motivate them to rise above the recent disappointment.
Although the Champions League dream has eluded them this time, Beale highlighted the team’s ongoing objectives, including progressing in the Viaplay Cup and maintaining a strong position in the league. While acknowledging the necessity for improvement, he commended PSV’s prowess, describing them as the strongest opposition he has seen from the club in recent times.