TALKING RANGERS
MARCO NEGRI has urged Pedro Caixinha to make the most of his chance to take charge of ‘the most famous club in the world’ as he attempts to bring success back to Ibrox.
The Portuguese will get his first taste of Old Firm action this weekend as Rangers look to see off Celtic and clinch a Scottish Cup final berth.
The appointment of Caixinha caught many by surprise as he made the move from Al-Gharafa to pen a three-year deal with the Light Blues.
And former Gers striker Negri hopes the 46-year-old will be given time to make an impression at Ibrox as he lays the foundations for next term.
He said: “The manager must train the team so he can learn about them and he’ll learn about the club, the fans, the people.
“He has time to understand what he needs for next season. He must be focused and getting second place would be a bonus.
“But the next few weeks will be i mportant f or him to understand what players he needs for his style. I would say to him that he is very lucky because he is coaching at the most famous club in the world.
“He will always be backed with love and passion from the most amazing fans.
“I didn’t know him very well before he came to Rangers. A little bit, yes.
“The board and the people working for the club are doing a great job so the fans, and I am a fan as well, must trust them.
“They chose him so I will back him.”
It has been a disappointing campaign at Ibrox as Rangers have underperformed and underachieved on their return to the top flight.
Caixinha has recorded wins over Hamilton, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle in recent weeks but faces a stern test against Celtic at the National Stadium.
The Gers are on course to clinch a European spot through their Premiership standing but also have their sights firmly fixed on Scottish Cup glory.
Negri, right, said: “He started with a big result and that was a positive. He needs time.
“It is not easy for a footballer or a manager to come in during a season but he has got a big personality and I think the fans must be a little bit patient.
“There is still a big target of second place and to get back into Europe. That is important financially as well because if you want new players you need money.
“The best way to do that is to get second place.
“This season is not finished yet. You have got the best fans in the world and that is the first thing for a club.
“You need fresh money, a bit of luck and you need to find players that are cheaper but can do a good job for the club.
“They have to stay focused because they are not far away.
“I know there are a lot of points between them [Celtic)] and Rangers but I still feel that with the right steps then we will be back to where we belong.”
SUNDAY’S semi-final showdown is the first of two back-to-back derby clashes as Rangers bid to secure a return next month and end Celtic’s unbeaten Premiership run.
The cup clash is arguably the more important of the two but Negri knows there will be pressure to emerge victorious at Hampden and Ibrox.
He said: “The Old Firm is the Old Firm and players, managers and fans don’t need any motivation. The pressure, the positive pressure, is there.
“The other games are very important as well and getting second place would be important for the team.
“Getting into Europe would be great for the fans and it would give the manager money to spend on players. If you want to improve and to challenge Celtic, you need better players.
“I would go for second place and to beat Celtic [in the league]. The Old Firm is a game apart. It will be important to show to Celtic that we are not far away.”
Getting into Europe would be great for the fans and it would give the manager money to spend on players. If you want to improve and to challenge Celtic, you need better players