The Argentine returns to north London for the first time on Monday, but the man in the opposing dugout is ensuring Spurs are finally moving on
Mauricio Pochettino finally makes his long-awaited return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, but in circumstances that few could have predicted; rather than a heralded return to the home dugout after four years away, he will be taking his seat as the away manager, in charge of Spurs' fierce London rivals Chelsea.
That would have been a bitter pill to swallow for the Tottenham support if not for his Australian counterpart, Ange Postecoglou, who has turned the north Londoners' fortunes around and guided them to the upper echelons of the Premier League table. In doing so, has helped the club to finally move on from Pochettino, ending years of clamour for his return. His early success is made all the sweeter by Chelsea's coinciding struggles.
In their brief time in charge of their respective London foes, Postecoglou and Pochettino have enjoyed/endured contrasting fortunes, but Monday night will be a significant waypoint on both of their journeys. So, how do the two tacticians compare so far, and what lies ahead?
Getty
Forging a togetherness
Both managers entered clubs that were close to breaking point in the summer, inheriting unhappy, disjointed squads that had underperformed significantly under the previous incumbents. Something that evidently topped their lists of priorities and underpinned their work throughout the summer and into the opening weeks of this season, then, was restoring some unity and fostering a togetherness. Both seem to have succeeded in good time.
Speaking recently, Pochettino said: "When you have an unsettled squad, always it's difficult and you lose time and then you need time to recover the time you lose. That's where we are. Maybe our performances are good but you need [something] extra, which is mental — a connection. It's energy to be all together, not to have different agendas in the squad. We need time to build that togetherness that you need when you are competing at this level."
Talking about the unity at Tottenham, newly-named club captain Son Heung-min said: "This is [being a] part of family. We are getting really, really tight in the changing room. Everyone is working for each other, running for each other, fighting for each other."
Advertisement
Getty
Two elite man-managers
As renowned man-managers, it's little surprise that both have already managed to lift the gloom in their respective dressing rooms, but it seems to be a story of two very different approaches that have both yielded success.
Pochettino clearly likes to be hands-on and familiar with his Chelsea players, and his handling of Mykhailo Mudryk – who was bereft of confidence when the manager arrived but has had his self-esteem restored over the weeks and months since – is a shining example of that. The Argentine has taken the Ukrainian under his wing, worked with him on a one-on-one basis, even playing crossbar challenge with the winger, and provided support as both a manager and a friend.
Postecoglou, meanwhile, has been watchful from a distance, giving the Tottenham players more responsibility off the field as a collective in an attempt to empower them as individuals. The Australian said recently: "A lot of it has to be player-driven. I can sit there and paint the prettiest of pictures but they need to believe in it, they have to buy into it. As I keep saying, it’s their dressing room. They go there every day. I don’t go into the dressing room. And the environment is going to be key to us being successful."
(C)Getty Images
Contrasting fortunes
That is largely where the similarities between the two coaches' journeys to this point end. After a slow start and having ridden their luck at times, Postecoglou has his side battling right at the top of the Premier League as we enter November and – more importantly in the eyes of many a Spurs fan – they are back to playing the front-footed, attacking brand of football last seen under (you guessed it) Pochettino.
Things have not been so smooth for Pochettino and Chelsea. On his return to English football, the Tottenham favourite oversaw the Blues' worst start to a season in 45 yearsin the midst of an injury crisis. There were always the shoots of recovery, though, as Chelsea vastly underperformed their xG, and they enjoyed a timely resurgence in October as they hallmarks of Pochettino's MO began to shine through.
However, a dire home defeat to Brentford seems to have knocked them back to square one.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images
Targeted changes vs complete overhaul
One of the main obstacles to immediate success for Pochettino – as was always likely to be the case – has been integrating a raft of new signings after overseeing a fire sale of unhappy and unwanted players.
His north London counterpart benefitted from very few of the club's regular first-team starters moving on, and Postecoglou signed off on just a few targeted signings to improve the side in certain areas of the pitch, such as James Maddison.
Pochettino, meanwhile, has had to contend with 21 outgoings, including the likes of Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante, whom he surely would have wanted to work with, as well as 11 newcomers – the vast majority of whom were young and unproven in the Premier League. Getting them to gel was never going to be instantaneous, and the head coach has already lamented the amount of business done in the summer. "At the moment, I think we are a young team, a young team means too many changes in the summer because of the circumstances and we are suffering – sometimes good and bad results, but performances are consistent," he said.
When you also factor in the malaise that enveloped Stamford Bridge throughout a nightmarish 2022-23 campaign on and off the field, it is little surprise that it has taken four months to see even the earliest signs of improvement at Chelsea.
That is not to detract from Postecoglou's work, however; three of Tottenham's main summer signings in Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario, as well as returning loanee Destiny Udogie, have all been performing at an exceptional level from the off, which is a complete anomaly in the unpredictable world of transfer dealings.
Former Barcelona full-back Junior Firpo has detailed to pressures of playing in Catalonia, taking aim at former boss Ronald Koeman.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Signed in 2019, never cracked first teamReceived threats after disappointing debutCriticised Koeman for management styleWHAT HAPPENED?
Firpo arrived in Catalunya as an apparent back-up to Jordi Alba. However, he never found his footing for Barca, struggling for minutes, and experiencing difficulties on and off the pitch during a turbulent two-year spell. Firpo detailed the difficulties of playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs in an interview with .
AdvertisementGettyWHAT FIRPO SAID ABOUT HIS FIRST START
The full-back admitted his Barca career got off to a poor start, when he was removed from the game at half-time of his full debut: "Starting like this, with a mistake in my first game as a starter… and on top of that the coach took me off at half-time. That makes you start off on a very bad foot and with criticism. As much as I didn't try to read them, nowadays everything reaches you, especially with social networks. After that game I had thousands of comments and insults, thousands of private messages and threats."
WHAT HE SAID ABOUT WHY HE DIDN'T LEAVE THE CLUB
After his first season, Firpo had a good option to go to Inter, but spurned it due to his newborn son's health problems: "My second child was born with lung problems and I made the decision to stay in Barcelona. The medical services were very good and I did not want to make a move between countries after such a complicated time entering and leaving the hospital.
"I slept in the hospital, I went to train and returned to the hospital. My son Jasson was in the ICU and only one of my wife and I could go visit him for about 5 or 10 minutes two or three times a day."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyWHAT HE SAID ABOUT RONALD KOEMAN
After agreeing to stay at the club, Firpo clashed with new boss Koeman, who forced him out of the side: "Koeman gave me an answer in which he was not being honest: he told me that I was contaminating the group, so I stopped trying."
Bruno Fernandes says he would "love" to play alongside Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves at Manchester United.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
United linked with 19-year-old
Already a full Portugal international
Fernandes rates teenager highly
WHAT HAPPENED?
United have been linked with a potential swoop to sign Neves from Benfica as they look to reinforce their midfield, and Fernandes has talked up his compatriot's abilities. Already a full Portugal international, the teenager has made 38 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants, playing in both central and defensive midfield.
Advertisement
Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neves has come through Benfica's youth system and has a contract that runs until 2028, meaning the club will be in no rush to sell. They are also in a strong negotiating position and are unlikely to let a top young talent leave on the cheap.
WHAT THEY SAID
Fernandes was asked about the possibility of United signing Neves, and he replied: "It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not. He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas.
"But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional, he will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
United could potentially look to table a bid for Neves in January, but a summer deal appears more likely. Erik ten Hag has struggled to find a balance in midfield this season, with new signings Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount both struggling to make their mark at Old Trafford.
Diego Gomez and Robert Taylor stole the show for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi and co. began their 2024 MLS campaign with a victory.
Exclusive coverage
MLS Season Pass
Log in to the MLS Season Pass with your Apple ID or create a free account today.
Coverage: 7 minute recaps, full 90 minute matches
Languages: English, Spanish
Free trial: 1 month
Monthly from
$14.99
Get MLS Season Pass
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Inter Miami defeats Real Salt Lake 2-0
Messi & Suarez scoreless
Diego Gomez and Robert Taylor on scoresheet
Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream now
Getty
TELL ME MORE
Robert Taylor opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 39th minute after they had dominated much of the first half. Minutes before the Finnish international's goal, Messi nearly scored a worldie of a free-kick, with it just being cleared off the line.
Going into halftime up a goal, the Herons played confidently the rest of the match. However, RSL came out with fire in their eyes after the break and arguably could have scored three or four times. Their lack of clinical finishing is what cost them on Wednesday evening.
In the 83rd minute, a moment of magic saw Messi and old friend Luis Suarez combine to set up youngster Diego Gomez for the dagger, making it 2-0 on the night.
Advertisement
Getty
DID YOU KNOW?
This was the first time since August 2020 that former Barcelona teammates Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets shared a locker room together for a competitive match.
USA Today Sports
THE MVP
Robert Taylor: The winger has been rumored to be available on a transfer this offseason, and Wednesday proved why, if Miami does not want him, another MLS side should pounce immediately. His goal came via a goalkeeper error, sure, but the moment was about being in the right place and the right time – and he did exactly that. He's earned himself another start on Sunday against the Galaxy.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
THE BIG LOSER
Pablo Mastroeni: The RSL boss has long been the subject of criticism, from both fans and pundits and even the casual viewers. His side always seem to sneak into the playoffs and produce an impressive result or two, but the way his club played Wednesday is why that criticism exists. They were dry and stagnant, their entire team was sluggish and their performance was not up standard. However, there were moments that were so incredibly bright – but those moments came from individuals, not tactics or formations. This result is, unfortunately, on Pablo.
Jadon Sancho had a forgetful outing in the Netherlands as PSV Eindhoven got lucky with a controversial penalty call to hold the visitors to a draw.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Dortmund forced to share the spoils with PSVAnother lacklustre evening for SanchoMalen stole the show with his pace and skillGetty ImagesTELL ME MORE
It was another frustrating night for Sancho who huffed and puffed on the left and sometimes through the middle but could hardly create anything substantial. On the other hand, Donyell Malen was in inspired form on his return to the Phillips Stadion as he was the livewire for the Black and Yellows. It was not surprising when he popped up with the opener for the visitors. The 25-year-old danced past a couple of defenders after he was set up by Marcel Sabitzer and then rifled a shot at goal from a tight angle. Although the strike did take a deflection it had enough power to beat keeper Walter Benitez and bounce in off the underside of the crossbar.
It was only after falling behind that PSV started finding some purpose in midfield and gradually started asking questions of Dortmund's defence. Hirving Lozano looked like a threat on the left wing as the Mexican tried creating something from nothing to set up his teammates Ismail Saibari, Johan Bakayoko and Luuk De Jong. However, it was not until a stroke of luck that came their way they got back into the match. It looked like a good block from Matts Hummels on Malik Tillman as he got a sizeable portion of the ball after he slid in leading with his studs. However, the USMNT man hit the ground which led the Serbian referee Srdjan Jovanovic to point to the spot. And De Jong did the rest from 12 yards out.
As the game wore on, Dortmund offered very little going forward and it was a subdued second half from the visitors, which allowed PSV to take confidence from the match before travelling to Germany in March.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Malen's goal marked the end of an eight-year drought for Dutch players scoring against teams from their homeland in the UEFA Champions League. The last player to accomplish this feat was Arjen Robben, who scored for Bayern Munich against the same opponent.
Getty ImagesTHE MVP
Malen was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch. His mazy runs on the wide areas proved to be a constant threat for PSV defenders. He was not afraid to test the keeper from distance on a couple of occasions and if his attempts had a bit more fizz in them, Dortmund would have taken a lead back to Germany. Nonetheless, it was a very well-taken goal in the first half, which was his first strike in the competition since December 7, 2021, against Besiktas.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
THE BIG LOSER
Sancho was an anonymous figure for Dortmund and his performance was reminiscent of his struggles at Manchester United. He lacked imagination and creativity which forced Edin Terzic to replace him in the 68th minute with Marius Wolf.
John Terry shared a bizarre naked photo with the Carabao Cup ahead of the Blues' clash against Liverpool at Wembley.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Terry posts bizarre throwback photo with Carabao Cup trophyWon three Carabao Cup titles with ChelseaBlues take on Liverpool in Carabao Cup final WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea will aim to clinch their first trophy in the Todd Boehly as they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Ahead of the big clash at Wembley, former Blues captain John Terry shared a bizarre throwback image of himself on Instagram where he is naked and holding the Carabao Cup trophy.
AdvertisementWHAT JOHN TERRY SAID
Terry uploaded the image on his Instagram story with a cheeky caption that read, "It's a good job these tassels are long."
John Terry InstagramTHE GOSSIP
The 43-year-old spent 19 years at Stamford Bridge where he won multiple trophies including three Carabao Cup titles. He first won the title during the 2004/05 season and then repeated the feat during the 2006/07 campaign. His last triumph came in the 2014/15 season where he scored in the final against Tottenham Hotspur in the club's 2-0 win.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The Reds will be taking the field on Sunday without star attackers like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez. The pair missed the team's midweek clash against Luton and has once again failed to make the matchday squad for the big final.
The 18-year-old scored either side of half-time as the tournament favorites laid down an early marker
American soccer has been waiting for Olivia Moultrie's U.S. women's national team arrival. If it didn't come in her senior debut in 2023, it surely came on Tuesday with what can only be regarded as a true breakout performance.
The teenage starlet scored two of the USWNT's five goals in a 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic to open the W Gold Cup in style. She was joined on the scoresheet by Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger and Alex Morgan, with the latter pair scoring late penalties to put the result beyond all doubt.
It was a match loaded with storylines: Morgan's return to the goals, Jaedyn Shaw's continued development, and Nighswonger's evolution with the USWNT. No story was bigger than Moultrie, though, a player who has been on the scene for some time, but is really just getting started.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Dignity Health Sports Park…
Getty Images
Goalkeeper & Defense
Alyssa Naeher (6/10):
Did she even play? There were no attacks to fend off and no saves to make. A quiet day for the goalkeeper.
Jenna Nighswonger (8/10):
Should have had an assist early, but saw it ruled back for an offside call. To make up for it, she went out and got her first USWNT goal from the penalty spot. Overall, a really good performance for a player who is proving she can do a little bit of everything.
Becky Sauerbrunn (6/10):
Another one that didn't have much to do, although she's done plenty during her USNWT career already, so we can let it slide!
Abby Dahlkemper (6/10):
Anchored the defense with Sauerbrunn, which felt like old times.
Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Played as something of an inverted rightback, which is something she can do given her versatility. Drifted centrally plenty and offered a lot in the midfield, putting in a solid 45.
Advertisement
Getty Images
Midfield
Olivia Moultrie (9/10):
Welcome to the big time! Her first two goals in a USNWT shirt, and it feels like they won't be the last as the 18-year-old starlet is here to stay.
Sam Coffey (7/10):
So, so calm. More evidence that she should be in the race for a midfield spot going forward.
Korbin Albert (8/10):
Got so close to her first international goal. Was active and very noticeable. Overall, a good second impression for the U.S.
Getty Images
Attack
Lynn Williams (8/10):
Got one goal. Could have had two if not for an offside call. The Gotham FC chemistry with Purce was on full display as Williams put in a strong shift.
Sophia Smith (7/10):
Teed up Moultrie's first goal. Was otherwise a bit overshadowed by the other two attackers, which makes sense given how good they were.
Midge Purce (9/10):
Was absolutely unplayable. Did whatever she wanted all game long, running circles around the Dominican Republic defense from the opening whistle.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images
Subs & Manager
Emily Fox (7/10):
Replaced Sonnett at the half. Work-rate was incredible as she almost pressed her way to a goal.
Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):
Plenty of confidence. Almost scored a ridiculous karate kick and provided some good service while also drawing a penalty for the fourth goal. Very encouraging.
Trinity Rodman (8/10):
Came on and immediately started trying to snatch souls with nutmegs. Absolutely electric as she earned a late penalty.
Alex Morgan (7/10):
So, so weird to see her in a number other than 13. Had some solid moments in her second-half cameo, most notably her first USWNT goal in about a year with her penalty finish.
Rose Lavelle (6/10):
Was given the chance to run around a little bit with the game long over.
Twila Kilgore (7/10):
Shook things up with the XI, but it turned out to be pretty fun! A good start to the tournament and a big moment for several future stars.
Barcelona boss Xavi addressed the rumours that he could reverse his decision to quit Barcelona at the end of the current season.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Xavi responds to rumours of him reversing decision to quitXavi set to leave Barcelona next seasonBarcelona currently third in La LigaWHAT HAPPENED?
In January, during a press conference, Xavi dropped the bombshell that he would quit Barcelona at the end of the current season. Lately, there has been speculation that suggests the Catalan coach could reverse his decision if the club end the 2023/24 on a positive note.
AdvertisementWHAT XAVI SAID
Speaking to reporters, Xavi refuted all the rumours as he said, "As of today, nothing has changed. There is no more story than that. It all remains the same and we focus on the next game."
He added, "It’s true we’ve done well recently; I see the team training great every day and the group of players is less tense than in the past. But tomorrow is a whole new story, here at Barcelona you have a challenge every day. The moment of the truth this season is coming, and we feel we have been good over the last weeks."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
In his first full season as the Blaugrana boss, the 44-year-old guided the club to La Liga title win and also helped them claim the Spanish Super Cup by beating rivals Real Madrid in the final. In the current campaign, though, the Catalan giants have struggled to find form. They failed to defend the Spanish Super Cup title as Real Madrid reclaimed the trophy and were also ousted from the Copa del Rey quarter-final after losing 4-2 to Athletic Club.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
The reigning champions, who are currently third in the league and are eight points behind Los Blancos, will next face Athletic Club on Sunday.
Both Wilfred Gnonto and Tyler Adams could sign new deals at Leeds United following their relegation from the Premier League according to Phil Hay
The pair were two of the Yorkshire club's best performers last season as the side suffered relegation from the top flight.
Will Tyler Adams and Wilfred Gnonto play for Leeds United next season?
Leeds will be hoping that both players stay at the club.
The American and Italian internationals both arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2022 for £20m and £3.8m respectively, and both impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the club.
Adams was incredibly impressive, with his 6.73 average rating on WhoScored being the highest in the entire Leeds squad, whilst Sky Sports pundit Stephan Warnock was full of praise after his Man of the Match performance against Liverpool in October, saying: “Tyler Adams, what a performance! He is not a pleasing player on the eye that’s going to hit 50 to 60 yard diagonals. He’s not going to dictate the speed of play. But what he’s going to do, he’s going to be a menace and he’s going to be a player who closes down extremely well. Magnificent performance from an extremely important player for Leeds.”
wilfried-gnonto-leeds-united-1
Gnonto also looked bright in his first season following his move from FC Zurich, with the 19-year-old managing eight goal contributions across all competitions for the Whites, with goals against the likes of Manchester United and West Ham United showing that the player with promising potential could also deliver. Former Leeds caretaker manager Michael Skubala heaped praise on the forward after his display at Old Trafford, stating: “He’s a great lad, he’s a special player. He’s a credit to Leeds, he’s a credit to himself and he’s a really nice player to work with.”
Both players have attracted interest from Premier League sides this window, with Adams reportedly a target of Aston Villa, whilst Gnonto was the subject of a £15m bid from Everton which the club rejected.
Speaking on The Square Ball podcast, when asked whether Gnonton and Adams staying could be tied in with a new contract, Hay revealed that Leeds may be able to tie down both players to new deals: “I suspect so with Gnonto and potentially with Adams as well. I think it would have to be some carrot with it to persuade them that it was the right thing to do. It’s slightly different for Gnonto to Adams, they’re at different stages in their career, Adams clearly USA captain already and has the World Cup coming up, but I don’t necessarily feel that for either of them a really good season in the championship, a promotion year in the championship would damage them or their reputation”
Should Adams and Gnonto stay at Leeds?
It could be beneficial for the duo to stay at Leeds this season
For Gnonto, interest from Everton may not represent the biggest step forward in his career. The Toffees only just survived relegation on the last day of the season thanks to a 1-0 victory against Bournemouth, and are expected to be in a similar situation next season, whilst Leeds could bounce straight back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Ultimately it will come down to whether Gnonto believes he needs to play Premier League football next season, or whether a strong season in England's second tier will keep him in the Italian national team and keep his development on track.
It's more difficult in regard to Adams' situation, as the interest in him from Aston Villa and West Ham would give the USA international the opportunity to return to playing European football in either the Europa League or the Conference League. The midfielder may also be in line for more regular starts at the Hammers following the departure of club captain Declan Rice for £105m, with the club needing a replacement in his position, which Adams played in last season for the Whites.
Leeds will be desperate to keep their star players as they give them the best chance at bouncing straight back up from the championship, and new deals would do just that amid Premier League interest.
Glasgow Rangers need to move on a few players this summer due to the large influx of summer arrivals at the Ibrox side, with seven signings having already been secured.
Although strength in depth is required, Michael Beale doesn’t want an inflated squad with players collecting a wage by sitting on the sidelines not contributing and there will likely be four or five outgoings this summer.
Despite his impressive finish to last season and a chance to battle it out for the number one jersey this term, Robby McCrorie could well end his 11-year association with the Gers in the coming weeks following a discussion with Beale.
Will Robby McCrorie leave Rangers?
According to The Scottish Sun, Beale did hold talks with the ‘keeper regarding his future at the Light Blues, and with the 42-year-old aiming to start the 2023/24 season with Jack Butland as his number one, it could spark a departure for the Scot.
McCrorie only signed a new long-term deal at the Glasgow side in October 2022 that would have taken him to 2025 and with Allan McGregor coming to the end of his career, the 25-year-old was looked upon as his natural successor.
Across six games for the senior side, McCrorie kept an impressive five clean sheets and conceded just once, but now Beale will have to look for a youngster who could take over his mantle and Jacob Pazikas may just be the ideal candidate.
Who is Jacob Pazikas?
Pazikas has worked his way through the academy at Rangers and eventually made the step-up to the B team last season, and the increased level of competition certainly brought out some impressive performances from the youngster.
The 18-year-old played 16 times for the B side last term, with six of those coming in the UEFA Youth League, and it was at this level that he shone, in particular.
During the match against Liverpool, Pazikas garnered praise from Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, who stated that the teen gem was ‘busy’ in the Rangers’ goal before lauding his ‘heroics’ during the tie as it kept the scoreline to just a 4-1 defeat, which could have been more had it not been for his solid display.
By signing a deal until 2025 back in January, it’s obvious that the Light Blues have a positive feeling about the 6 foot 5 titan and if he continues to shine over the next few years, he won't be far away from a first team debut.
Soccer Football – Champions League Qualifying – Rangers Training – The Hummel Training Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – August 15, 2022 Rangers’ Robby McCrorie during training Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Indeed, the Gers have sent him out on loan to Lowland League side Civil Service Strollers and this chance at securing regular game time in a competitive league will give him some more experience for the challenges that lie ahead.
He could be recalled in January should they be facing a goalkeeping shortage, again indicating that he is highly rated by the club.
McCrorie spent plenty of time out on loan throughout the Scottish football pyramid before finally making his debut for Rangers, and although he could soon depart, it appears as though Pazikas could be the ideal heir for him.