Michael Beale has admitted he was "pulled in different places" at Rangers as he confirmed his preference in a role as Sunderland head coach over manager.
The former Ibrox boss gave his first interview after being appointed by the Championship club this evening and referenced his job at Rangers.
Beale - who was sacked by Rangers in October - was quizzed on switching to a role of head coach at Sunderland rather than as a manager while at Rangers.
However, Beale explained he served as head coach at QPR before claiming he originally joined Rangers in the same role.
Watch Michael Beale's first interview following his appointment as our new Head Coach. 📺👇 pic.twitter.com/VI4IHDMHUG
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He then stated he was "pulled in different places" due to changes at Ibrox. And Beale appeared to reference his situation at Ibrox as he stated his desire to be coach of the team at Sunderland rather than "manager of the whole football club".
Speaking to Sunderland club media, Beale said: "Well, I went into QPR as a head coach and originally went into Rangers in the same role.
"There was a lot of changes with people leaving and I got pulled in different places.
"The thing I am really comfortable with here is the alignment through the club.
"My role being in line with that as a head coach and having an opinion and an idea on other aspects of the club but I want to be the coach of the team - not the manager of the whole football club.
"This was a good fit in terms of alignment, I thought conversations were very smooth, there was a lot of common ground.
"I'm just looking forward to getting ready now and the exciting future of Sunderland."
