Candeias’ staying power makes him exception to rule
DANIEL CANDEIAS might be puzzled to learn, as an attacking wide man on a league-high ten assists, that the Rangers player he is compared to was a Bosnian left-back with seven goals in six full Ibrox seasons. He should be assured that analogies drawn with Sasa Papac are very much a commendation to endorse.
Just as the hardy Papac was the sole survivor from the calamitous Paul le Guen signing policy to prove himself under the next regime, Candeias remains the only regular from Pedro Caixinha’s Portuguese and Mexican summer spree trusted to perform for Rangers.
His good friend Alfredo Morelos is, of course, a scoring success. But the striker was a tip from coach Jonatan Johansson’s knowledge of Finnish football. The plundering of the other markets well known to Caixinha was the former manager’s own work. And, Candeias apart, it was anything but pretty.
Graeme Murty has binned Fabio Cardoso while his intended centre-half partner Bruno Alves have proved a fitness liability. As for the fourth of Caixinha’s countrymen, Dalcio, he remains as much of a mystery figure as he was when first appearing as a 90-minute non-event against Progres Niederkorn way back in June.
Carlos Pena has been sent back to Mexico on loan and, while £1million striker Eduardo Herrera stayed, he has not scored since the last of his two goals on September 19.
Candeias, who turns 30 today, is an unsung hero, understated and hard-grafting on the right flank. Rangers supporters who have warmed to his work can also be confident that his loyalties lie entirely with the club — and not the character who brought him here.
Rangers is the Portuguese’s 12th club of a career marked by loan spells in Spain, Germany, Turkey and France. When asked if he was worried that another move might be imminent after the man who signed him was sacked, Candeias said: ‘No. I have a contract with the club, not
Pedro. My heart is with Rangers, not the coach. I wasn’t worried any more than any of the other players when the coach left.
‘The coach left because of the results. What happened in the Europa League was a catastrophe. After everything that had happened at this club, and then for us to be back in the Europa League, that was a major blow.
‘All coaches live and die by their results. So while I didn’t want him to leave, the results meant it was difficult for him. I’ve got to thank him for bringing me to this great club. I’m very happy here and I want to continue to play well here. My focus has always just been on my work.’
The £700,000 signing from Benfica has formed a dynamic partnership with James Tavernier, the Englishman referencing his colleague’s efforts on the right as a chief reason behind his own fine form and new extended contract until 2021.
Candeias confirms that he, too, feels settled — despite the age-old difficulties with the Scottish climate and comprehending the locals.
‘I’ve moved about a lot in my career because the big teams in Portugal always send out their players on loan,’ he explained.
‘When I signed for Benfica, it was always going to be difficult to play regularly. I think I have the quality to play there but the coach felt it was important for me to get games. I don’t like moving a lot but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.
‘Now I am settled at Rangers and the stability is important for me. You play your best football when you are settled. I want to stay here for more than one season.
‘It is a difficult place to learn English. Everyone speaks so fast! I like everything here in Glasgow — apart from the weather.
‘I think my form has been good. I have learned that you have to be a winner with this club in every game you play. It would be special to win a trophy here for this great club with our great supporters.’
My heart is with Rangers, not the coach who signed me