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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Michael Beale insists Rangers pressure is still on despite big Real Betis victory

Michael Beale dismissed the notion that the pressure has eased after Rangers defeated Real Betis at Ibrox in their opening Europa League group stage clash. 

In a tight affair, Abdallah Sima’s strike just after the hour mark ensured the Govan outfit got off to a winning start in Group C over their La Liga rivals. 

Beale who was under pressure heading into the game has now won two games on the bounce, but he insists his team need to keep winning to build positivity around the club. 

He explained: “We have to win at the weekend and then we have a quarter-final in midweek. 

“Another home game on Saturday, I watched Aberdeen earlier and they did really well over in Frankfurt. 

“Listen, the pressure for me and these players, or the expectation is just around the corner. We will enjoy tonight and then tomorrow morning we have to get back on it. 

“There are areas of our game that we need to improve, but in terms of the work rate, the desire and the passion tonight, I will take that. It is a great start for us. 

“I have one of the best jobs in the world. I am the manager of Rangers Football Club. 

“It is a huge privilege and you have to enjoy this. Tonight I was manager of Rangers against Real Betis in the Europa League. 

“A packed house, we won, what is there not to love?” 

Beale also hailed the performance of Ben Davies who has registered two clean sheets in past two games after not featuring at the start of the season. 

Beale added: “Ben has been very gracious and handed the goal over to Sima.  

“What about him though? He comes into the season injured, he misses up until the international break. 

“A lot has been said about him from the outside and the last two performances for him have been outstanding. Two clean sheets since he has come back into the team.” 

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