Rangers 'row in Dubai' at heart of Morelos new year meltdown

By Frank McAvennie

26th Jun, 2020 | 6:00pm

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Alfredo Morelos’ post-winter break meltdown that was a major factor in the Rangers title collapse was caused by a row in Dubai.

That is according to Celtic legend Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial striker’s dreadful pre-lockdown form that paved the way for his former club to romp to a ninth consecutive title.

Celtic were crowned champions last month after an agreement was reached between the 12 clubs in the division about terminating the 2019-20 campaign early due to the coronavirus crisis.

Morelos had spearheaded Rangers’ title challenge before the new year and had remarkably banged in 28 goals in all competitions by the midway point.

“The best Morelos I have seen is the Morelos before Christmas,” McAvennie told Football Insider. “Defoe was the best thing for him but you cannot play the two of them together though because they both want to score goals. Somebody needs to do the hard work.

“Defoe is a total pro and he was talking to Morelos – it was magnificent for him.

“But when he came back after the winter break it all went out the window. When he came
back from Dubai he was hopeless.

“He stopped working hard for his teammates. Sometimes you have got to do that dirty work. Defoe does not mind doing that.

“I think Morelos wants away now though. I heard there was a row in Dubai, whether it is true or not I do not know, but when he came back he was not the same. He was not right.”

Morelos scored just one goal in 11 matches following the winter break as Rangers’ form alarmingly nosedived.

He still ended the campaign with a highly creditable 29 goals and 10 assists from 46 matches in all competitions.

In other Rangers news, Ivan Toney has told friends his transfer plans as two Glasgow giants and West Brom race to sign him this summer.

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