A Steven Davies goal in the 10th minute was enough for Rangers to beat Dundee 1-0 and book a place in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday night.
But it was another scratchy performance at home and Dundee put real pressure on Rangers towards the end of the game, which could have created further problems for the Scottish giants.
Rangers have not been playing well for a few weeks and Hateley feels that his former side desperately need the World Cup break.
He stressed that the break will allow Rangers to regroup and rethink for the latter half of the season, but they need to grind out results until then.
Hateley said on BBC Scotland: “This World Cup break can’t come quick enough for Rangers.
“Get away, think about it and regroup.
“Until then, they need to grind out results.”
Rangers will be in Scottish Premiership action on Saturday when they host Livingston at Ibrox.
