The Michael Beale propaganda, not that it was needed, has continued with an open training session this week and there have been a few notable points of interest.
Zak Lovelance, Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann have all played prominent roles and – wait for it – there are three fit strikers all taking part in training. Answers on a postcard as to when a Rangers manager last had that luxury.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst didn’t give much away with his access to preparation, however, Beale, under Steven Gerrard, and now in his own right, seems more than happy to allow the cameras behind the scenes.
One moment caught by Joshua Barrie of The Rangers Review has highlighted the importance of a clean slate in the unlikeliest of places with Rabbi Matondo showing well in one particular drill.
An exercise that was common during his last spell sees three teams working simultaneously with the objective being close possession retention before switching play/relieving pressure and the Wales international earned a backhanded compliment off his new manager by playing two inch-perfect passes – with either foot it has to be noted – in the short segment.
Some praise for Matondo 😅👇 pic.twitter.com/dt7y2AshkE
— Joshua Barrie (@JoshuaBarrieRR) December 1, 2022
“He doesn’t know the rules but he can play football!” – if you missed it.
Michael Beale set for Rangers unveiling press conference https://t.co/TLgkpl0H93
— The Rangers Review (@RangersReview55) December 1, 2022
Matondo, or so it was hoped in the summer, was going to be the answer to the problem right-wing position, however, for a variety of reasons it just hasn’t worked out like that. Coincidentally, This is Ibrox’s Tommy McIntyre speaking on The Rangers Review said on the same day as the footage that he reckons the 22-year old could be the surprise beneficiary of the management change, putting his inconsistent form down, mainly, to a lack of game time and selection.
Hopefully, under Beale, if he gets his chance he proves just how good at football he really is.