Rangers press conference analysis: Celtic tickets and PSV dilemma

Beale was absent from his customary press conference duties on Friday with assistant Neil Banfield deputising. The respected coach faced questions on a number of subjects and we’ve provided analysis on all the key points. 

Temptation to rotate against Morton ahead of PSV

“No, I think it’s a cup game you don’t give anyone opportunities to stake a claim, the manager will pick the team he feels will win the game. It’s a big cup game and the club’s got great history in it. We will use it to get into the next round and take every game as it comes. We play Morton then move on to PSV next week. This game is firmly in our focus and we’re looking to win tomorrow. I think the week we’ve just had, it’s great for the lads. 

“The games are coming thick and fast now. We got through the tie and move on to Morton on Saturday. It’s great for us as a squad and a new group working together to get used to how it’s going to be in the coming months and I think it’s been a really good experience for the group.  I think when you’re building a group you’ll get bumps along the road. We had one bump and we’ve come through it. We’ve come on and got victories, even if we didn’t win in midweek we won the tie so go through and move on to tomorrow’s game”

Banfield has been around football long enough to know the pitfalls of complacency. While Rangers face a pivotal clash against PSV in the Champions League play-off in midweek, Banfield’s comments suggest Beale won’t make wholesale changes. Rangers have a massive squad and Beale will need to weigh up giving fringe players minutes and resting key personnel with the challenges that Morton poses. Dougie Imrie’s side have made a good start to the season and they are a well-drilled side, who will look to frustrate. A potential second-string side would still feature multi-million-pound players and full internationals, but Beale will likely withstand the temptation of making wholesale changes. The League Cup offers the first chance of silverware this season and it’s imperative that Rangers progress into the next round. 

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Rangers and Arsenal comparison 

Asked whether there are similarities between Arsenal and Rangers, Banfield said: “Yeah, without a doubt. I think that’s what I’ve found coming into Rangers. The expectancy level of winning at this big club. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what it was like at Arsenal and that’s what Rangers have. That’s what we have to live with. 

“When asked whether the size of Rangers was a surprise, Banfield replied: “Honestly, yes. You walk in, you come in from Arsenal and you come to Rangers, walk out at Ibrox and it’s fantastic. From a personal point, it’s great. You’ve got to look through that and it’s what you do on the grass. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Banfield earned his reputation as a high-level at the academy and youth level at Arsenal before progressing to become a first-team coach. He worked closely with legendary boss Arsene Wenger and was a trusted lieutenant. Arsenal were hugely successful during Banfield’s time at the North London club with a number of players progressing from the academy to first-team like Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere. The 61-year-old understands the demands at a top club and that experience will be valued by Michael Beale. The fact that Banfield was surprised by how big a club Rangers are, despite working at the highest level in England, provides context to the size of the club and expectations.

New signings gelling 

“When you’re bringing new players into a new squad it’s difficult and it does take time. It’s about relationships in the group and we’re seeing that in the training field. There’s no other way than to get on the pitch. We had a good camp. There are going to be a few bumps along the road, but I think we’ll iron them out and as it goes it’ll only get better and better as time goes on. 

“I think when you’re dealing with fans in general they always want to be winning straight away. We’ve got to take that as it is. You could say we could get a little bit of patience but they want the team to win when we play and that’s what we’re trying to give them.” 

There’s been nine new arrivals at Rangers this summer and it will take time for them all to fully acclimatise. None of the front six to start against Livingston last weekend were at the club when Banfield joined Beale after Giovanni Van Brockhorst was sacked. Key attackers in Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have departed with their replacements - Sam Lammers, Danilo and Cyriel Dessers - still in the process of gelling. All three have been on the scoresheet this season, but some aspects of their play have caused slight concern and Banfield acknowledged the difficulties that new arrivals can have. The pressure increased on the new signings and Beale after the opening-day defeat to Kilmarnock but Banfield believes Rangers will only improve as the season progresses. 

Celtic away allocation 

“It’s the powers above me who make those decisions. I’m with the manager and what they decide we’ll do. It’s always nice to have opposition fans but like I said, we’ll just leave it to the board and Michael and we’ll respect whatever they decide to do.”

It was confirmed on Thursday night that Celtic have rejected their 800 ticket allocation for the first Old Firm of the season next month. The dispute over away allocations for the biggest game of Scottish football looks set to rumble on with no compromise on the horizon. While it’s not an issue that will land on his desk, Banfield was, unsurprisingly, asked about the news and he provided a measured answer. However, it was notable that he stated his preference for playing with opposition fans present and this is a viewpoint shared by many players.