SAYS LIFELONG MATE ARLINDO MORAIS
no trophy, only honour. Everyone was so happy for him because it was a very dangerous task for a kid to take on.
“But he was more proud to accept the challenge. It was a defining moment in his life, perhaps even the moment he became a man. He’s scared of nothing.”
Caixinha has visited Ibrox as a coach before when he was No.2 to Jose Peseiro at Panathinaikos and they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Walter Smith’s side in 2008 en route to the Final.
But Morais revealed they had visited the stadium before when they attended an SFA coaching course at Largs with players such as Colin Hendry and Alan Shearer.
He also explained Caixinha did not scout for Celtic, despite reports he’d worked for the Hoops for two years as a star spotter in Europe.
Morais said: “No, that was me. Pedro was offered the job but had already committed to a position in Saudi Arabia with Jose so instead he recommended me.
“I worked for Celtic for two years, taking in games in Portugal and Spain, Madrid and Seville, but the club didn’t follow up on my recommendations.
“I encouraged them to look closely at Brazilian central defender Maicon for example, who was with Porto, but it didn’t happen. Many of the players I recommended to Celtic – there was a long list – were perhaps too technical as they seemed to prefer other attributes, such as good fitness.
“I knew Scottish football too as Pedro and I attended a course at Largs with your Braveheart Hendry and Shearer. Pedro and I watched Rangers play a few games at Ibrox.
“We enjoyed Glasgow, its culture, history and people especially, not to mention bars and restaurants. Rangers are the perfect team for Pedro and Glasgow is the perfect city. This is the most important moment of his career.
“He’s part of the new age of coaches in Portugal, such as Jose Mourinho and Mario Silva. This is the job in Europe for which Pedro’s has been waiting.
“Rangers are the right fit. It’s a great challenge to return the club to their position among the great clubs of Europe again. Celtic are stronger financially but he can make Rangers big again. “Everything is there for him. We know of their brilliant training ground, academy, stadium and fans who will follow their team anywhere. There’s a great foundation to build a side to compete in Scotland and Europe again.” Morais revealed his pal likes to play 4-4-2 with a defensive midfielder and two widemen leading a high pressing and attack-minded style. He said: “He’ll bring his own ideas but also give respect to Scottish culture and the Rangers way of playing. “He likes his players to be in command. Rangers fans will enjoy watching their team.”
GARY RALSTON