Training felt like a cup final when I was at Rangers – Michael Beale must bring the same intensity says Tony Vidmar

TRAINING sessions were played like cup finals in Tony Vidmar’s time at Rangers.
Now he says the current squad have to find the same intensity to get back into the title race.
The Australia coach saw old pal Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed last week with Gers nine points behind Celtic.
It’s a gap Vidmar believes has to spark the players to start the Michael Beale era with a burst of energy.
He said: “Everyone expects the club to win every game, no matter who they’re facing.
“The expectation levels are so high, but the players and staff have to rise to the occasion.
read more football stories
“During my time there every single day, even in training, it was like a cup final.
“No one held anything back. You had to produce every day to get into the team.
“If you didn’t impress and work hard, you had no chance. You couldn’t go through the motions, ever.
“It was about having a purpose, then showing it in games.
Most read in Football
“They have the break now but they’ll be looking to hit the ground running when the team comes back.
“I always follow the club’s results and want them to do well.
“It’s great for me now having a lot of Aussie players in Scottish football, I can watch a lot of the Premiership.”
Vidmar made himself a hero with the opener in a 2-0 win over Parma at Ibrox in 1999.
The Aussie says it’s one of plenty of memories from his five-year spell in Glasgow before a move to Middlesbrough in 2002.
Walter Smith brought him to the Light Blues and he believes a statue is a fitting tribute to the legendary boss who passed away last year.
He said: “I’ll always remember Walter fondly.
“He signed me on a Bosman and he was such a special person.
“I had the utmost respect for what he did as a manager but also who he was as a person.
“He was a great human being and when I heard he had passed away, I was so sorry.
“He was Rangers through and through and a statue is the right way to mark all he did for the club.
“People like Walter, you never forget and he’ll always be remembered at Rangers.
“I’ll never be allowed to forget that goal against Parma either.
“I see it on social media every year on the anniversary and it’s such a nice memory.
“It was a special night for me, but every European game at Ibrox was special.
“I loved all the clubs I played for but Rangers has a special place in my heart.
“I was lucky to play alongside some incredibly talented players and some really big characters.
“I was so sad when I left but I’m part of the history of the club and that will always be there for me.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“It was fantastic.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page