Michael Beale on PSV chances, Dutch media and 'no surprises'

Michael, can you just give us an update on your squad?

MB: The only one missing is Kieran Dowell who's still got this slight problem with his knee but it's not a big problem, this game just comes too soon for him.

How much would reaching the Champions League mean?

MB: Obviously, it would be huge for the club and the fans first and foremost and this group is desperate to play in that competition again. Naturally for me and the staff that's the aim and the aim coming into pre-season. We have a huge test ahead of us to see that be a reality.

Plenty of the Dutch media seem to be writing you off, how do you react to that?

MB: It's fine we expect it, the other team needs to be confident they're in their home stadium and the first game was a draw. We don't read too much into that, we know we need to perform I feel better than we did last week if we want to go through it. This team is due a big performance so it's there, the opportunity for us is clear. 

How do you strike the balance between attack and defence?

MB: The team selection won't be too far from last week, there won't be too many surprises. Across our squad, we have a variety of options in the final third. We need to be better with the ball this week, I think we created chances regardless last week from the small amount of possession we had compared to normal but going away in Europe you know you have to be strong defensively first, and then you have to take your opportunities when they come. I believe this is a game where both teams will have opportunities, it's the team most decisive that will go through.

Todd, how big an incentive is Champions League football?

TC: Yeah, I don't think it's any secret that it's every player's dream to play in the Champions League. We had a little taste of it, we've had the playoffs and we're looking forward to tomorrow. 

If you score first, will that unnerve PSV?

MB: I think their crowd will be behind them just like ours was at Ibrox. That can do one of two things.  I felt last week at times we were a little bit emotional in the game. It can unnerve you as much as it can be a big help. The coaches have changed for both teams and there weren’t many players who played last week who were involved in those previous games. Everybody is aware of what happened and the motivation is equal to last year. I don’t see it being any bigger on both sides. There has been a lot read into that, but for the group of players going out there, the prize of getting to the Champions League is enough. 

How do you feel ahead of the game?

MB: It’s a hugely exciting week if you’re a Rangers player and a Rangers follower and I’m no different as the coach. The two games we have coming up in the next four or five days is what it’s all about playing for this club. If you can’t enjoy it and you can’t seize the opportunity in front of you then you probably don’t deserve to be at our club. This is a huge moment so it’s important we give this game everything. It’s a final in that sense. 

Is the pressure on PSV?

MB: They have a home game to win to go into the Champions League group stage so they’ll be supremely confident of that, I’m sure. We have to be the thorn in the side. 

READ MORE: Your questions answered ahead of PSV vs Rangers

Todd, did you ever fear the Champions League had passed you by?

TC: No, I don’t think so. As a player, you’ve got to believe in yourself and believe in your abilities. I would speak for most players in the changing room, you want to play in these competitions. So it’s just an excitement for me.

Todd, have all those seasons given you extra impetus to make the most of the opportunities you get at Rangers?

TC: Yeah definitely. You certainly want to maximise the opportunities you get. You don’t take anything for granted. Every game at Rangers is a big game, an important game, and as a player, it is your responsibility to show that.

Those scenes of celebration a year ago – players told you about that night?

TC: That is in the past. We don’t want to focus on that. That is what happened last year. We can leave other people to think about what happened before. For us, it changes nothing for tomorrow night. It doesn’t matter who won last year, it matters who wins tomorrow. For us, there is no focus on what’s happened before.

Tomorrow is all about taking big chances?

MB: Definitely. In this competition, you are going to play against good teams and teams who have the ball. It’s important that we then show we have another side to us, which is that we can be in good shape and we can hurt on the counter. I think we showed that last week. I think all good teams have both in their capabilities, playing with the ball and obviously being a danger without it.