PEDRO’S A GAMBLE
From Back Page change of direction represents a huge risk having seen Le Guen fail to adapt to the cultures of Scottish football during his nightmare reign a decade ago.
He said: “I have my doubts because of Le Guen. At the time, because he was a topclass coach, everybody was excited by it.
“He tried to change the culture of the club, the way they played.
“One thing about Scottish football is it might not be the best but we have aggression and passion. That’s part of our identity. Take that away and we lose a lot.
“That’s maybe why the Portuguese coach is a gamble. They should go for a British-based manager, somebody who knows a bit about the club.
“If it was my decision it would be someone with Rangers running through their veins.”
Ferguson also looked back on the move for previous boss Warburton as he added: “Did he ever get what Rangers was or how much it meant to the fans?
“I’m not sure he ever did. He maybe, like one or two players who have come up from England to Scotland, underestimated our game.
“I talk about passion and aggression but there is quality there. Mark underestimated that.”
Ferguson looked at the timing of Rangers’ moves when quizzed on similarities between the current Ibrox plan and the change of direction Celtic adopted when naming Ronny Deila as boss.
He said: “Celtic could take a risk because Rangers weren’t there. It allowed them freedom to trial something.
“Rangers don’t have that freedom because you look at the challenge, Brendan Rodgers and the way Celtic are going.
“They’re miles apart and the next manager who comes in is not going to have the same cash to spend.
“They have to get the right appointment – someone who is shrewd, has good contacts and can find a gem or two.
“It’s about organisation and being hard to beat again. Going back to the Walter Smith days, Celtic were arguably the better team at times.
“But Walter had a winning team and you have to find that formula.
“It’s about winning football. That’s what floats people’s boat.”
Ferguson is also wary of the fact Caixinha has never stayed longer than two seasons at any of his former clubs, although the ex-Ibrox player hopes he’s proved wrong and the Portuguese turns out a golden boss.
He said: “Rangers need a long-term appointment, someone who is going to be there for four or five years. It needs to be someone who can make an impact as well.
“It’s about getting the appointment right and for me it has to be a British-based manager.
“The director of football structure is not my cup of tea either but maybe it’s forwardthinking from Rangers.
“I hope I’m proved wrong, big time.
“I hope I’m talking nonsense but I don’t think it’s time for a gamble.” JON TORAL won’t lose sleep over the revolving door in the Rangers dugout but admits it’s his form on the pitch that keeps him up at night.
The on-loan Arsenal midfielder could be forgiven for thinking he’s walked into a nightmare after the gaffer who persuaded him to come north headed for the exit in a matter of weeks.
It was Mark Warburton who sold the Ibrox move to the Spaniard after the pair previously hooked up at Brentford.
Warburton’s messy demise left the club in limbo but it’s not the first time Toral has seen a manager who signed him head for the hills while he was still finding his feet.
The playmaker watched his gaffer at Grenada get the boot during his spell there earlier this season and was hit with a sense of deja vu at Rangers.
Toral said: “It happened in Granada as well. These things happen at every club, the managers are never safe. But you have to adapt and get used to whatever new manager comes in.
“It has been difficult, obviously, for me. But the team has stuck by me as well and they have really helped me.
“It’s always difficult when a manager goes. But I think the team has reacted well.
“The results weren’t there but I think we have stuck by the interim manager and we’re going to do that for as long as he is in charge.”
Toral admitted it was a blow to say goodbye to Warburton.
But the youngster insisted the regime change won’t change his desire to cut it at Ibrox.
Toral said: “I said that when I first came here, that he was a big reason for me because I worked for him before.
“This continues and I am here to help the team.
“It was a disappointment but we have to keep looking forward and there is plenty still to play for this season in the league and the Cup and I am really focused on that.
“Mark wished me the best for the season and that’s it.
“Before I came here said he wanted me to be part of this and help the team and that hasn’t changed because the manager isn’t here. I want to work hard and help the team.”
Toral accepts managers come and go but he admits he’s not quite hit the heights for the Gers so far.
It was a major culture shock leaving La Liga for the Premiership but he insisted he’s gradually getting there.
Toral said: “When I have a bad game it’s not easy to sleep, I am really critical of myself. I analyse the games and know when I play well and when I play badly.
“So I just try to put the bad games behind me and focus on the next one and do better next time.
“Physically in the first few games I wasn’t fit enough, I wasn’t match fit.
“The manager knew as well I needed a few games and he gave me those games.
“I think physically I’ve improved and I’ve felt better.
“Now in the last few games I’ve played in a different position as well, as I’ve been used to in my other teams, and played in a little bit deeper role.
“I’m just trying to learn from that and if the manager sees me there I will just try to help the team in that position. I always hope when I go on the football pitch there is more to come from me.
“I hope, because I’m very critical of myself, the next game will be better than the one before and that will be the case for the rest of my football career.
“It’s different in Scotland, I’m getting used to it and feel I am getting better and match-fit. I hope that continues.
“I’m enjoying Glasgow. It’s a very nice city. It’s got everything I need. I’m quite a quiet guy and I really enjoy it. I’m here with my wife and we’ve been all right.
“Football is massive here, I knew that when I signed and that was one of the reasons why I came here because of the size of the club.”
Toral admitted Wednesday’s 3-2 win against St Johnstone was a much needed boost after a torrid few weeks.
But Gers can’t sit back and savour the Saints victory much when they have today’s crucial Scottish Cup showdown with Hamilton Accies.
There’s a place in the last four at stake and Toral would love to salvage the season and give the incoming new gaffer a chance of silverware.
He said: “At this club is has to be a must. We have to go and win the game and reach the semi-final.
“We know that, we’re playing at home and the St Johnstone game gave us loads of confidence. We we have to build on that.”