Scouting low on Caixinha’s priority list
PEDRO Caixinha has said strengthening Rangers’ scouting network is not one of his priorities. The Ibrox club are still in the process of appointing a director of football and the Portuguese admitted he has more pressing matters to attend to before he can start thinking about improving the recruitment strategy.
“When I was interviewed for the job, I made a presentation of my project and it was specifically relevant to this club,” he said. “One point of the presentation was a scouting department and the way I would organise it. But it’s not one of the priorities for me right now compared to the work and assessing I need to do – and the knowledge I need to get. Later on, when we have more time, we’ll definitely put these plans in place.
“But we’re still trying to find a director of football and scouting will be more linked to him. We’ll be together in that task. We’re getting closer to appointing someone. That’s not within my range but the club are assessing.
“I agree the fans will see scouting as a priority, but we have others for now. So we have one month to re-organise and put all the assessments we’ve made in our time here on to paper. If I’m going to organise a scouting department as well, it will take a lot more time to bring what we want for next season.”
Caixinha overhauled his entire squad when he was manager at Santa Laguna and hinted he would not be averse to doing the same again.
“In Mexico I had an experience where I brought in a lot of players at once,” he said. “And in six months we were champions.
“It was the first time in two years I was able to tell the club, ‘here’s what is needed. Let’s go for it’. Most of the players were from Argentina. Three of them were crucial: a goalkeeper, a centre-half and a midfielder. They were vital in winning the title. And they’re still doing a great job.
“But I’ve only had three months here to assess everything here. When I take a decision it’s because I have information and I really trust and believe it’s the way. We want a new cycle at Rangers, a new era. I know the changes that need to be made.”
Meanwhile, David Bates has praised team-mate Philippe Senderos for coaching him through his introduction to first-team football. The 20-year-old has been a regular in the Ibrox team since making his debut last month.
“Philippe, even when he’s not involved in the squad, comes in at half-time for a talk and to give me a few pointers,” the defender said. “He’s got so much experience, having played in the Champions League final. If I’ve got things to ask I can always go to him. When I first came in he was taking me away, doing fast feet, heading, touches with the ball, passes and getting me better.”