Caixinha says it’s all his fault, don’t blame squad
PEDRO Caixinha accepted full responsibility for Rangers’ second 5-1 defeat to Celtic of the season while insisting his players had performed much better than in their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to the same opposition the previous weekend.
The victory was Celtic’s biggest ever league win at Ibrox as Rangers capitulated weakly in front of their own fans. But the Portuguese shielded his players from any culpability.
“We played well, but I am to blame,” said Caixinha. “I just have one thought, it is my total responsibility. The players tried to do their very best, they had a fantastic attitude and they raised their level.
“Things didn’t go in the direction we were supposed to have planned so I am the man responsible. That’s what I take from this match. I saw more from my players this week, the way we started the game in that direction.
“Did they show more passion? They did it, totally. Maybe even the penalty [they conceded in the sixth minute] comes from that situation – to look like you have passion but not know exactly where to place it in that exact moment. The team got on the game showing that passion and power, definitely.”
Caixinha will be given time to rebuild his squad in the summer, but admitted that should not make him immune to criticism before then.
“You need to judge me all the time,” he added. “From day one since I came here. I am not a guy who puts the responsibility on others, I take it all the time. So judge me all the time. For things that are not going in the right direction I am responsible and I always will be.”
Celtic’s dominance highlighted the gap between the clubs, but
Caixinha felt it could yet be bridged. “We need to make a lot of changes as we are very keen to reduce the difference,” he added.
“The difference [between the teams] is totally evident to anyone who hasn’t even watched today’s match. But it is possible to bridge the gap. We need to do it and we need to be humble too.”
In contrast, Brendan Rodgers praised his players for showing their determination and professionalism in what was effectively a “meaningless” game for the champions. Five different players were on target for Celtic, the manager’s only gripe that it ought to have been more.
“What pleases me most is the hunger in the team,” said Rodgers. “I never like the team to get too comfortable, so if you can get three, four or five you should keep pushing. That’s been the hallmark this season. We never go lazy till the final whistle.
“If I’m a Celtic supporter hopefully I’m excited by watching the team, how they play and how fast and dynamic they are. With that you will always create opportunities. The only disappointment is clearly we should have had more goals.”
Rodgers admitted it “wasn’t nice” to see Scott Brown confronted on the field by a Rangers supporter, but praised his captain’s performance before he starts a two-game suspension. “I said before he’s a top player, a real leader of the team, tactically very strong – he’s a real catalyst for us,” he added. “He will have a break, go away and rest and recover.” The players tried to do their very best, they had a fantastic attitude and they raised their level