🚨 EXCLUSIVE! Alex McLeish on arriving at Rangers, Michael Beale and Mikel Arteta

🚨 EXCLUSIVE! Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish talks to PLZ on his time as Rangers FC manager.

The treble-winning Rangers manager gives his thoughts on arriving in Govan, how Michael Beale has started life in the Ibrox hot seat and if his former midfielder Mikel Arteta can really lift the EPL title as Arsenal manager.

Alex McLeish interview chapters:

00:00 Intro - Alex McLeish Rangers Manager
01:00 Dick Advocaat Rangers
02:30 Barry Ferguson and Rangers team
03:35 Michael Beale vs Ange Postecoglou
05:34 Michael Beale Rangers FC manager
07:46 Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager
10:30 Arsenal EPL winners

The Scottish footballing landscape witnessed a significant change between 2001 and 2006 when Alex McLeish took the reins at Rangers Football Club. The former Aberdeen and Motherwell manager ushered in an era of unprecedented success at Ibrox, securing multiple domestic trophies and leaving a lasting impact on the club's storied history. This article will explore McLeish's tenure at Rangers, highlighting his achievements, tactics, and the players who helped define his era.

Alex McLeish Rangers manager: A New Era at Ibrox

Appointed as the Rangers manager in December 2001, Alex McLeish succeeded Dutchman Dick Advocaat. The new manager inherited a strong squad, but it was his astute tactical acumen and man-management skills that allowed him to guide the team to success. In his first full season in charge, McLeish led Rangers to a domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup, an impressive achievement that established him as one of the club's greatest managers.

Alex McLeish Tactics

McLeish was known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach to the game. He built his Rangers team around a solid defensive foundation, which was often characterized by a well-organized backline and a strong central midfield partnership. However, McLeish's teams were far from one-dimensional, as he utilized the attacking talents of his wingers and forwards to devastating effect. His ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking prowess made his Rangers side a force to be reckoned with.

Key Players for Alex McLeish at Rangers

During his tenure, McLeish was able to work with a wealth of talent, some of whom went on to become club legends. Key players included goalkeeper Stefan Klos, defenders Lorenzo Amoruso and Craig Moore, midfielders Barry Ferguson and Mikel Arteta, and forwards Peter Lovenkrands and Shota Arveladze. These players, among others, formed the backbone of McLeish's successful Rangers team, contributing immensely to the team's domestic triumphs.

The Trophy Cabinet

McLeish's time at Rangers saw the club add numerous domestic trophies to their collection. His most significant achievements include:

Scottish Premier League titles (2002-2003 and 2004-2005)
Scottish Cup victories (2001-2002 and 2002-2003)
Scottish League Cup triumphs (2001-2002, 2002-2003, and 2004-2005)
McLeish's Rangers also reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League during the 2005-2006 season, a testament to their strength in European competition.

Legacy

Alex McLeish's time at Rangers will always be remembered as a golden era for the club. His tactical intelligence, eye for talent, and ability to win trophies endeared him to the fans, and his contributions to the club's history will never be forgotten. While his managerial career has taken him to various other clubs since his time at Ibrox, McLeish's tenure at Rangers remains a defining period in his career and in the annals of Scottish football.

#RangersFC | #McLeish | #cinchPrem | #EPL | #scotland | #scottishfootball | #football | #Arteta | #Arsenal | #AFC

[PLZSoccer]

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[GlasgowMac]

I met Alex when we won the treble, me and my family walking past ibrox after leaving a christening. Alex and his staff come bursting out the side doors singing and pissed. We (me and my bro and Alex and his staff) sang and danced in the street and got some photos, will never forget it.

WATP🇬🇧

[niallkane]

Brilliant one 2 one with big eck peter i enjoyed it!!

[neilburns]

Alex McLeish has always been a very optimistic guy, and I imagine a very positive person to have in the dressing room.

Doesn't really believe in making mountains out of mole hills.

He was also very fortunate to have worked under David Murray's stewardship at Rangers.

I hope that Big Eck is keeping good health these days.

Best wishes to him and his family.

[fenianbhoy]

That opening statement, " kinda like Beals gotta do" thruve won 2 in 12 ye ffs. Were well in to our 20s

[scottkirkland]

When a say this am genuinely not taking the piss but did the big man have a stroke I didn't no about? (My dad had a Stoke) just wondering. Such a great manager man miss the big man. Again am not been a shite saying that bears

[jackwilde]

Mind he said he thought we started the game well in Kazakhstan. 3-0 down first 15 mins

[knoxieiscoolshorts]

Is McLeish a bit drunk in this interview?

[robertmac]

Must have been a lot easier for poor big eck with cheating n that