Rangers boss Michael Beale has referred to Celtic as 'the other team' when discussing catching the Scottish Premiership leaders this term.
Beale will take charge of his first competitive game as Ibrox boss when Hibs arrive in Govan in Thursday night, when league action is finally brought out of cold storage following a break for World Cup action. Gio van Bronckhorst's successor will look to immediately cut the gap on Ange Postecoglou's men to six points with Celtic not returning to action until Saturday when they go up against Aberdeen.
Beale admitted it would be a tough task to close the gap in the league, but dodged naming the side that sit on top of the league as he shifted the focus onto his team's performance. Ahead of facing Lee Johnston's side, Beale was quizzed on the importance of a win against Hibs to 'make up that nine point gap.'
The Rangers boss responded: "It will only make up a nine point gap if we win and something happens to the other team. At the moment, all we can take care of is tomorrow (Hibs).
"I think everyone is clear that every game at this club feels like it's a must win, (and) every week feels like a big week. In the three and a half years I was here before I said 'this week is a big week, next week is a big week', so I understand it.
"The players need to perform at their level. If they perform at their level, and the level they are capable of, and they are able to show nice aggression they will give themselves a good chance.
"I am actually excited to watch them play and hugely optimistic to get back to Ibrox tomorrow and get the fans behind the team. Hopefully we keep the fans warm rather than sitting on their hands freezing cold."
During Steven Gerrard's time in charge, when Beale was the Light Blues' number two, Leon Balogun revealed that the players in the dressing room did not like to name Celtic. The squad would refer to their city rivals as "the other".
Speaking to Bild in 2021, the centre-back said: "I try to avoid pronouncing the club's name. I would rather say the one on the other side of town."
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