Caixinha vows to protect club

PEDRO Caixinha has vowed to protect Rangers from fresh pain in the wake of l ast week’s Old Firm humiliation.

His hapless Gers were thrashed 5-1 on Saturday as Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic ran up the Hoops’ biggestever win at Ibrox.

The Por tuguese has already accepted his share of the blame after seeing his narrow midfield diamond ruthlessly exposed by Parkhead widemen Scott Sinclair and Patrick Roberts.

A period of intense soul searching has now begun inside t he Light Blues’ camp but Caixinha has promised to set the standards his side will require if they are to bounce back in the final four games of the campaign.

He said: “As I said at the end of the game, when something like this happens I am the one who is guilty and who is responsible. I need to lead by example and I am here to protect and defend the club, and the players as well.

“Another t hing is t o expect a reaction, and to expect a strong reaction from the players. That is the reason I am telling them what my intentions are with regards to next season.

“Of course, my intention is also how to conclude the four matches we have to face, and face thinking about winning, between now and the end of the season.”

Reports have suggested the manager is now planning a clear-out of his first-team squad in a bid to prevent a repeat of this season’s campaign.

And Caixinha claims he already knows the direction he wants to take the team next term.

“We had, in my opinion, our most important meeting with the players,” he said.

“It regarded the present and the future, what it really means to defend this club and what it means to be here playing at this club.”

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha.