Kris Boyd: Michael Beale under ‘Severe’ pressure at Rangers after Chris Sutton quizzing live on Sky Sports
According to former striker Kris Boyd, Michael Beale will be under “severe pressure” as Rangers manager when he returns to Ibrox in the coming weeks.
Beale’s job is apparently on the line following defeats to PSV and Celtic before the international break, with a crucial match against St Johnstone on Saturday afternoon the site of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s demise at the club.
And, on Sky Sports (16 September, 12:05), Chris Sutton placed pressure on Boyd about what would happen if Rangers didn’t win at McDiarmid Park.
“They have to start winning games, and not only that, but they have to start winning them comfortably,” he remarked.
Sutton then immediately interrupted him and questioned what the “consequences” would be if Beale failed to defeat St Johnstone on Saturday, to which Boyd replied.
“Looking at it, you get the impression, and as I said, there are a lot of fans, that it’s now reaching the point where it was under Giovanni van Bronckhorst last season.”
“We saw what happened after the Rangers came here and lost the game.” Giovanni van Bronckhorst had passed the point of no return.
“I believe Michael Beale will face a lot of pressure if the Rangers lose here today.”
“You’ve then got four games at home, four of the Rangers’ next five are at home after today, and you just get the feeling you don’t want to hear those boos again going back to a packed Ibrox.”
“However, if results do not improve, you will be under tremendous pressure.”
Severe
Boyd is well-versed in Rangers culture and expectations, and he will understand that a loss today will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
With the talent we have, this is a game that this team should win ten times out of ten, and the players should understand it as well.
A major Europa League clash against Real Betis this Thursday will serve as a harsh reminder to fans that there will be no Champions League play this season, and Beale will want to go into that game with as much goodwill as possible.
He’ll be well aware of stories of an approach for Graham Potter, and whether they’re real or not, he’ll have seen the reaction from fans who were overjoyed.
He must swiftly turn things around, and that begins with an easy win and superb performance against St Johnstone today.
In other Rangers news, one Daily Record columnist believes Beale could be fired if Rangers lose to St Johnstone tonight.