As the new football season draws near, Rangers’ manager Michael Beale remains unfazed by the team’s recent friendly defeat against Olympiacos. Despite the 3-1 loss, Beale sees it as a valuable learning experience for his players, assuring fans that the team will be fully prepared for their upcoming league kick-off against Kilmarnock on August 5. Beale also discusses potential player signings and departures, expressing satisfaction with the team’s pre-season preparation and rebuild. In this article, we explore Beale’s thoughts on the friendly match, the club’s transfer activities, and their readiness for the challenges ahead.
A Beneficial Test Against Olympiacos
The defeat against Olympiacos may have been a sobering one for Rangers, but manager Michael Beale sees it as an essential test before the start of the season. Despite the loss, Beale remains confident in the team’s capabilities and believes that facing a strong and classy Greek outfit like Olympiacos provided the kind of challenge he was seeking in their pre-season preparations. According to Beale, this match showcased a different playing style than the previous friendlies against Hamburg and Newcastle, offering a variety that is crucial for the team’s growth and development.
Transfer Expectations
Looking ahead, Michael Beale has high hopes for the transfer window. He revealed that Rangers are nearing the completion of deals for Feyenoord striker Danilo and Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes. The addition of these South American talents is expected to bolster the squad and contribute positively to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
On the other hand, some players are likely to leave the club as part of the rebuilding process. Beale mentioned that there have been inquiries about three or four players, including Scott Wright and Glen Kamara, who were not involved in the friendly against Olympiacos. Scott Wright’s potential move to Turkey is currently in progress, and the situation is being monitored closely. As the European squad needs to be named soon, some players may have to make difficult decisions if they want guarantees of playing time, while Beale is focused on creating a competitive and cohesive team.
Confidence in Pre-Season Preparation
Despite the changes in the squad, Michael Beale is content with the progress made during the pre-season. He acknowledges that significant player changes were necessary, and with the incoming signings, the team is gradually taking shape. While the squad will require some time to come together and gel, Beale remains enthusiastic about the opposition they have faced in their pre-season fixtures. Rather than seeking easy wins, Rangers have purposefully chosen challenging opponents to better prepare the team for the competitive matches ahead.
Injury Updates
On the injury front, there is positive news for Rangers. Connor Goldson, a defensive stalwart, is set to return to training next Thursday, which will be a significant boost to the team’s backline. In addition to Goldson, Dujon Sterling is scheduled to resume training on Friday, followed by Leon King on Monday. Beale is delighted to have these players back in contention, ensuring a stronger and more competitive squad.