Rangers boss Michael Beale hails ‘good character’ in their Premiership win over Hibernian
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New Rangers boss Michael Beale praises the “good character” shown in his team’s Scottish Premiership win over Hibernian… but insists his team “didn’t perform well” despite claiming the first victory of his tenure
- Michael Beale won his first competitive game as Rangers boss on Thursday
- His team posted a 3â2 Scottish Premiership win over Hibernian at home.
- Beale insisted that his team did not play well despite claiming the important win.
- But he did salute the good character shown by him throughout the meeting
michael beale last night he praised the character of his players as his Rangers tenure began with a thrilling Premiership win over Hibs.
The visitors took an early lead at Ibrox through a Ryan Porteous header only for Fashion Sakala to equalize.
Lee Johnson’s side immediately restored their lead through the return of Kevin Nisbet, but a much-improved second-half display by Rangers saw Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos score to turn the game around.
Michael Beale won his first competitive game in charge as Rangers boss on Thursday night.
Alfredos Morelos scored the winning goal as Beale’s men beat Hibernian 3-2 in the Premiership
And while he wasn’t impressed with the way his team started the game, Beale felt the fighting qualities of the players were evident.
‘The first half was difficult. We didn’t do very well,â Beale said. ‘The second half I liked better, but there is a lot of work to do.
‘I’m not going to sit in front of anyone and say it was a good Rangers performance. It wasn’t. I thought there was a lot of character and a couple of quality moments.
“I’m delighted to have taken all three points, but we have to improve before Tuesday (in Aberdeen).”
Beale insists his team ‘didn’t perform well’ during the match despite winning the game
Asked why his team started so slow, he added: “I wonder if I turned them on too much in the first half.” I wonder if I gave them too much energy.
I also have to look at myself, maybe I spoke too emotionally to them before the game and they went off and played like that.
‘To be fair to them, the group has had a lot of changes in the last few months.
‘The only thing I would say is that they showed very good character in the second half.
They began by winning the duels. They started to lock up, played a little closer together and a little faster and ran forward more.
Beale was named Rangers boss last month after the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Meanwhile, Ianis Hagi says he still has a lot to do at Rangers after signing a new contract at Ibrox.
The Romanian has been out since January after injuring his knee against Stirling Albion, but is returning to full form after surgery.
“I still have a lot to show and give to this amazing group of people at Rangers as well as the fans, I can’t wait until I get back,” Hagi said.