2M4XFWB Rangers Manager Michael Beale arrives at stadium before the cinch Premiership match at the Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall, Scotland. Picture date: Friday December 23, 2022.
Michael Beale has lashed out at his faltering Rangers players after a “unacceptable” performance against Motherwell at Ibrox.
The Gers manager concedes his team “got off with one” in the 1-0 triumph, with Motherwell more than deserving of a point and Rangers dug out by some desperate defence.
Michael Beale’s team seized the lead when Cyriel Dessers deflected a shot into the back of the Motherwell net during Rangers’ significant bright area of play in the first half.
It was a bizarre goal, and Rangers were fortunate that it proved to be the game-winner as a spirited Motherwell battled to beat Jack Butland.
The Ibrox custodian, along with goal-line clearances from James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, worked together to maintain a miracle clean sheet as Michael Beale’s team was booed off the pitch for the second time this season, despite beating Motherwell.
Michael Beale is enraged at abject Motherwell’s performance.
After the game, the Rangers manager confesses to having “honest words” with his squad and calls their performance “unacceptable.”
“I was unhappy with the team today from the first minute,” Beale told the reporters after the game.
“Unforced errors with the ball were unacceptable for players here.” That was an extremely bad performance today.
“It was a good goal, but some of our play was so poor against a team that was in a good place, well-organized, and came here with a plan.” They executed their strategy better than we did because we kept turning the ball over and leaving ourselves susceptible.
“This collection of players is aware that I want more from them. I take no comfort from today’s football victory. That brings me no comfort; it was not a game I loved at all.
“I don’t think the players liked it.” It’s a total reversal after Rangers’ 1-0 victory against Real Betis on Thursday.”
When asked if he approached the players angrily following the Motherwell game, Michael Beale replied, “We’ve had honest words, yes.”
Rangers supporters have seen this movie before, and while their club may have won three points against Motherwell, such awful performances can only be tolerated for so long.
With setbacks to Kilmarnock and Celtic still fresh in their minds, the Gers should have dropped points in a third Premiership encounter this season.
Michael Beale gets credit for being candid after Motherwell, but with the injuries piling up, there’s a sense of déjà vu at Ibrox.
This side, many of whom were signed by the Rangers manager, must now start playing for him, and supporters will be looking for a response against Livingston in midweek.
