Caixinha is primed for trip to ‘hell’

Rangers boss warned that Pittodrie will be a cauldron but says he relishes the challenge

RANGERS manager Pedro Caixinha insists he is relishing his first visit to Pittodrie tomorrow — despite being told the intense experience will be like ‘going to hell’. The Portuguese has been made fully aware of the intense rivalry between Aberdeen and Rangers but insists he lives for the big occasion. Rather than be daunted by the prospect of a hot reception in the Granite City, Caixinha claimed he would welcome being a lightning rod for abuse from the Aberdeen supporters. ‘Everybody says we are going to hell. I like those type of

scenarios. Football is about challenges,’ he said. ‘The rod for abuse from the Aberdeen fans.

‘Everybody says we are going to hell. I like those type of scenarios.

‘The history of football started with two cities fighting until they take the ball from one specific place and scored a goal. Those moments were really violent and that’s the nature of football.’

Asked to expand on his comments, Caixinha added: ‘Hell is a strong word. We can talk about “hell” or “hostile” or “a challenge”.

‘You can take a word from here, a word from there, but I respect that. If you want to put it on the front page, for me, that is fantastic. The more hostile or challenging the environment, we will be expecting it.

‘Lee (McCulloch) told me Rangers going to play Aberdeen is always a tough game.

‘I really love the tough games, when there is a clash between the teams and a big tradition.

‘Do I expect it to be hostile? It’s part of football. Once the ball is moving, the players will be focused on the game and the fans will be focused on supporting the team.

‘If they (Aberdeen fans) are more focused on me and not supporting their team, I will be glad.

‘I don’t have wide shoulders but I can cope with that if it releases our players to play the game with emotional balance and focus.’

Caixinha’s opposite number, Derek McInnes, has experienced the toxic rivalry between the clubs from both sides — first as a Rangers player and now as Aberdeen boss — but assured his Portuguese rival there is no need for concern.

‘When Rangers come to Aberdeen, it is always eagerly anticipated but I wouldn’t go as far as (calling it) hell,’ said McInnes.

‘I think the translation of that is he knows it is an important game, and the rivalry between the two clubs. It was built up the last time we played and passed without incident.

‘It was a brilliant atmosphere with the two sets of fans. The majority of Aberdeen fans went home happy because of the last-minute winner.’

The Dons are 12 points clear of Rangers and looking for an 11th consecutive home win tomorrow.

Caixinha repeated his assertion that anything less than a victory for his team will end the Ibrox side’s chances of finishing second behind champions Celtic. ‘We can only have thoughts about trying to win the three points,’ he said. ‘You may ask me if we don’t win, what about second position? Then we are out (of contention). ‘Aberdeen are a strong team. They have been building for years and I think they took advantage of Rangers not being in the Premiership during that time.

‘We need to respect the opponent but we also need to be brave. I believe in my players and I haven’t changed my decision about wanting to finish second.’

Caixinha welcomes back Lee Hodson after illness. But a prolonged injury crisis means he could turn again to rookie defenders Myles Beerman and David Bates as he did in the draw at Rugby Park.