Gunners’ woe could be key to revival at Ibrox
RANGERS fans are praying Pedro Caixinha brings them better fortunes when he finally touches down in Scotland.
The Portuguese will be unveiled as the Ibrox club’s 16th boss but it could take a managerial change across the city before they can think about closing the massive gap on Celtic.
And events in north London over the next few months could be their best hope with Arsene Wenger coming under huge pressure after Arsenal’s calamitous 10-2 aggregate Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Fed-up Gunners supporters want the Frenchman, who joined the club in 1996, out of the Emirates Stadium with the 67-year-old undecided on whether to sign his two-year extension offer.
But if Wenger decides it is time to move on then Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will surely be high on the list of potential replacements for Wenger.
It would take a lot to tempt Rodgers away from Parkhead and a job at one of England’s top four is one of the few positions that might sway him.
Celtic pulled off a massive coup in landing the Northern Irishman who was just a Steven Gerrard slip away from winning Liverpool their first English title in 24 years.
The 44-year-old is now fulfilling a boyhood dream at the Parkhead helm but will still feel he has unfinished business south of the border with the emotional tie to Celtic only able to motivate him for so long.
Old Firm gaffers are rarely afforded the luxury of being able to dictate when they leave but Rodgers will be an exception as he is likely to rule the roost for the duration of his stay.
Even if Caixinha is a gamble that works out for Rangers his budget compared to that of Celtic’s and the huge gulf in the state of the current squads means it will take a miracle for him to overtake the Hoops.
And the Light Blues supporters will be desperate to see him leave with the chances of the champions finding a blue-chip boss in the same calibre a real tough ask for Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell.
Former Celtic striker and Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker said this week he thinks Rodgers will be on Arsenal’s radar if Wenger decides to step down but, if the Gunners don’t come calling, then this time next season will be crucial.
Walker said: “Brendan will stay for next season. He’s happy to be here for that. Then it will just depend on what happens down south to some of the bigger clubs.
“He could certainly handle a club of Arsenal’s size and if Spurs, or that type of club, were to make a change for
Emotional tie to Celtic will only be able to motivate Rodgers for so long
whatever reason then he could do something with them as well because he is very talented.
“He’s at a level now where he can pick and choose. He will go back to the Premier League, there’s no doubt about that.
“Even if Brendan was to go in the next year or two, Celtic’s model should be to get someone in who is as good as he is and continue to try and get not just Champions League football but to make their mark.”
That will be easier said than done. Celtic pushed the boat out for Rodgers and it has paid off big style. He can enjoy top dog status for as long as he sticks around.