Unleashing the Power: Can Michael Beale's Rangers Outshine Celtic in the Title Race?

Kris Boyd is cautioning Rangers that they have played second fiddle to Celtic for far too long. This summer, Michael Beale has made significant changes to his Ibrox team in an effort to break Celtic's stranglehold on domestic competitions and ensure Brendan Rodgers has a disappointing return this season.

There have been eight new signings while a number of last season's first team, including strikers Alfredo Morelos and Antonio Colak, have left the club.

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Since assuming control last December, Beale suffered only a solitary defeat in the Scottish Premiership, which occurred at Celtic Park. However, their adversaries managed to prevail against them in both the League Cup final and Scottish Cup semi-final.

Ahead of the new season, we asked Kris Boyd to assess his former club's chances of success...

They have clearly made improvements in the areas they needed to. Last season, it was evident that the Rangers struggled with their forwards and central role.

It's always a gamble when entering the market, but the £6m invested in Danilo needs to yield results.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is undeniable that the new players joining Rangers in the forward position will undoubtedly be an improvement compared to the previous season. In my opinion, the team struggled significantly in that aspect, as many opportunities broke down in the final third.

Rangers are relying on the fact that this will not be the case in the upcoming year. It is certain that they must enhance their performance in that specific area if they aspire to compete for trophies.

The issue of the left-back position has persisted for a long time. Borna Barisic, in my opinion, often doesn't receive the credit he deserves, considering his reasonably good performances for Rangers. Ridvan Yilmaz has made some acceptable performances since joining, but he also suffered a severe injury. Although he has returned from it, it will take him some time to adapt. Regrettably, there isn't much leeway for settling in Glasgow. If you don't perform, you will encounter difficulties.

If the Rangers' full-backs excel in those four matches against Celtic, it increases the likelihood of winning the league as they should have no trouble handling the other teams. Celtic has taken advantage of Rangers' errors and vulnerabilities in that aspect, so rectifying it could significantly improve their chances.

It's important to remember not every signing made is going to be spot on but it's vitally important that more work than don't.

Summer recruitment

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Michael Beale, formerly a first-team coach working alongside Steven Gerrard, may be reflecting on the disappointment of missing out on the chance to progress despite being part of a highly successful winning team.

If Steven Gerrard had been provided with the same financial resources, Rangers may have avoided their current position. Despite winning their previous Old Firm meeting and showcasing strong performances against Celtic, the truth remains that Rangers failed to make a significant impact.

Rangers must find a consistent approach to winning Old Firm matches if they aim to compete for trophies on a regular basis. Expectations for both Rangers and Celtic to secure titles are standard every season. While Celtic has put in considerable effort to achieve success, they have also maximized their chances to accomplish their goals.

Rangers have long played second fiddle to Celtic, and it is imperative that they swiftly address this situation. Failure to win crucial matches and secure trophies can create significant problems. Conversely, winning these matches can have a completely opposite effect, igniting a desire for even greater success.

Celtic have backed Michael during the summer and now they must deliver, as Brendan Rodgers has been appointed and it is certain that he will have funds at his disposal. Celtic can effectively sign any player they desire for Scottish football, however, it could pose a challenge for them to identify areas that require strengthening given their multitude of successful players.

Rangers have been fortunate with the early season fixtures, presenting them with an opportunity. Should they succeed in winning their matches leading up to the Old Firm game against Celtic, it's possible they could secure a victory at home.

If things don't start off well for Brendan Rogers, the pressure on him will quickly mount. Similarly, Michael Beale will face the same pressure if Rangers don't have a strong start.

Is Beale under pressure to deliver the title?

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Brendan Rodgers won back-to-back domestic trebles at Celtic

Once a manager signs a contract with either Rangers or Celtic, the pressure mounts instantly. This pressure becomes the driving force for individuals, who find excitement in the challenge of facing it every single day.

Brendan Rodgers is not a stranger to this situation, as he has experienced it before. He is well aware of what awaits him, having only suffered a single defeat against Rangers in his previous tenure in Scotland.

Brendan will undoubtedly regain his confidence in his ability to conquer all. However, if things don't go smoothly and points are lost, those who were supportive of his return will quickly express their doubts.

There is no denying that Brendan is an exceptional manager, and Celtic made a commendable decision to bring him back after Ange Postecoglou's departure. Not many would have had the confidence to fill his shoes considering his record of success.

It's safe to say Brendan Rodgers isn't lacking in confidence and will fancy himself to deliver exactly what he did last time.

Ending Rodgers' domestic dominance?

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Rangers fell to a 7-1 defeat at home to Liverpool in the Champions League last season

In Scottish football, we can get hung up on the whole thing of getting to European football.

The potential financial gain would be incredibly significant. Celtic has already secured that financial gain by qualifying for the group stages, and I sincerely hope that Rangers will join them.

However, realistically speaking, I do not foresee either team achieving notable success in European competitions.

It would be considered a success if you can secure the third spot, qualify for the Europa League, and drop down into that tournament. Rangers have the opportunity to qualify for the Europa League and they have a good chance of doing so. They managed to achieve it last year and while it won't be a straightforward task, both Rangers and Celtic have the potential to reach the Champions League with their current resources.

Can they have any impact? No. The reality is if you can get that money it would help but, if you don't, you've got the safety net of Europa League.

Making an impact in Europe

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