Are still reeling after shock Euro exit
Bruno’s qualities on the pitch. You see his experience, his leadership, the demands he gives from the back.
“He’s the most experienced defender we have in the team and he won the Euros with Portugal. So he’ll be massively important for Rangers this season.
“Hopefully we’ll be firing on all cylinders at Motherwell.”
Caixinha has experimented with different systems and formations since taking over as Rangers boss.
But with question marks hanging over him and his team he opted for a fairly orthodox 4- 4-2 yesterday.
Marquee signing Alves was in for his debut at the back alongside fellow Portuguese new boy Fabio Cardoso. A pair of Scots recruits, Ryan Jack and Dorrans, anchored his midfield with Candieas and Kranjcar out wide.
Veteran striker Kenny Miller was left to support £1.5 million hitman Eduardo Herrera up front.
The punters desperately wanted to see signs of positivity against the French visitors.
Just 14 days before the start of the Premiership season they were here to be impressed.
And to be fair after an edgy start they went toe to toe with Marseille.
Alves certainly brought an air of assurance at the back that they lacked against Progres. Dorrans was nervy in a first Ibrox outing for his boyhood club. But after a poor touch led to a late challenge on Patrice Evra and a yellow card he settled down and looked the part.
This was a tough test for Rangers. Marseil le might not have the superstars they had when they last came to Ibrox 25 years ago for a Champions League epic.
But with the likes of Evra, Adil Rami, Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet in their ranks Gers had to be on it or they would be picked off.
There were few chances in a goalless f irst half and the best opening after the break fell to sub Alfredo Morelos. After replacing Herrera he s tung the palms of Steve Mandanda with a 20- yard rocket.
He pounced on the rebound and this time he beat the keeper but clipped his shot inches past the post.
Alves had gone off after an hour and his presence was missed as the French outfit grabbed the lead.
Morgan Sanson got free on the left and whipped in a cracking cross for striker Valere Germain who scored against the run of play.
For a spell Marseille threatened to go on and get more.
But credit to Caixinha’s side who hung in there and got their reward with Kranjcar’s tremendous free-kick that earned a draw. And after the Euro defeat this was progress.