Glasgow Rangers have endured a thoroughly disappointing season upon their return to the Scottish Premiership.
Graeme Souness
Ex-Gers star Graeme Souness sat down for an exclusive interview with SportingLife.com, and criticised his former club’s decision to appoint Pedro Caixinha, rather than give the the job to a British coach.
The Portuguese penned a deal with Rangers last month that lasts until the summer of 2020 (Daily Mail), following Mark Warburton’s acrimonious exit from Ibrox, and has gone on to lead his side to a win and a draw in his opening two games in charge.
And with the Glasgow giants currently languishing in third position in the table, 35 points adrift of bitter rivals Celtic, Caixinha has one heck of a job on his hands if he is to close the gap on Brendan Rodgers side over the next 12 months or so.
But Souness, who spent five years with Rangers as a player, explained to SportingLife.com how the appointment of the 46-year-old was a strange one, considering his lack of experience in the Scottish game:
New Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. For the reason that there are lots of goods coaches in our isles. Clubs seem to be fascinated with your name ending in an e, o or I. It’s very much in vogue today. They don’t know any more than we do. The decision is down to the individual football club. I’m not being critical of any of the coaches that are working at British clubs today. It’s just sad that British coaches don’t get as much opportunity as people from the continent. It will be very difficult for him to go to Rangers at a difficult time in their history. They’ve got a lot less money to spend than Celtic and qualifying for the Champions League each year is getting further away for them. He’s got an enormous job on his hands.”
With their Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on the horizon, there is still a chance for the Gers to salvage their season by getting one over their old foes.
And if the Portuguese coach can lead his side to cup glory during his first season in charge, his appointment will surely be viewed as a resounding success.
New Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
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