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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic hero Sutton in 'keep staff in check' Rangers demand after Banfield remark

Chris Sutton has demanded Rangers boss Michael Beale 'keep his staff in check' as he responded to Neil Banfield's Celtic remarks.

The Rangers coach had claimed a comment from Ange Postecoglou after the Viaplay Cup final left a "little taste in the mouth" but refused to reveal the exact quote.

Following Banfield's remark, Sutton has called on Beale to manage the messages coming from his backroom team as he warned of the pressure being heaped on the Ibrox boss.

And Sutton was left in the dark over Banfield's gripe as he admitted he hasn't seen "anything at all" that could have seriously irked the coach.

In a Daily Mail interview, Banfield had said: "There's respect there, no doubt.

"He is a good football guy and he works for Celtic but he has said things that leave a little taste in the mouth.

"I'll keep that to myself but he made a quote after the final and it landed on me. And you think: 'Yeah, okay I'll take that.'"

On the Daily Record Celtic podcast, Sutton claimed Banfield has only increased the pressure on Beale with claims he could be compared to Julian Nagelsmann or Mauricio Pochettino.

He said: "I think Michael Beale should keep some of his staff in check. This is the same guy who compared Beale to Nagelsmann and Pochettino.

"Beale is no doubt a talented coach, but going into management, that is a huge shout. He might go on to become one of the greatest managers the world has ever seen.

“But comments like that put him under unnecessary pressure. He’s under enough pressure as it is."

Commenting directly on Banfield's Postecoglou remark, Sutton theorised the coach could have been trying to "manufacture a bit of spirit" in the Ibrox dressing room.

He added: "Unless he comes out and says exactly what was said by Ange Postecoglou to upset them, it just looks like he’s trying to manufacture a bit of spirit in the Rangers team.

"I haven’t seen anything said that was that bad, or anything at all.”

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