It appears Rangers’ defensive strategy was a panic signing for Leon Balogun (a pro we all love, of course) and that was it.

Michael Beale has never addressed either Jonathan Panzo or Auston Trusty, unlike Jose Cifuentes and Danilo lately, the manager has made zero comment on either stopper, and only even talked about Balogun himself once the Nigerian was back.

Either Rangers have no defensive strategy and Michael Beale really is that disinterested in that area of the pitch, or we’re out of ideas already.

In terms of numbers, it’s not that bad – we actually signed three defensive players this summer – Butland, Balogun and Sterling. But none of these, Butland possibly aside, felt like a step ‘forward’, per se.

Michael Beale has indirectly admitted that his playing style negates defence and the rearguard will always be vulnerable – what we’re seeing is the diametric opposite to Walter Smith, who built his sides around the back end.

Now it’s building the side from attack, and supplementing it with a few bits and bobs at the back.

Attack and possession is what this manager is all about, not unlike the great Barca teams of the past under Pep who actually used a midfielder in defence, Mascherano, because he wanted only one actual defender (Pique, himself not an outstandingly robust defender) with a more composed ball-player next to him.

That’s Beale’s strategy too – and we suspect no more defenders will be coming in.

And we’ll have to accept this team, just as we described last season, will always concede under this manager. It’s part of the deal under him.

It’s just not what we’re used to, Rangers being that vulnerable at the back.

But it is what it is. If we win stuff this season, no one will complain.