The Scottish league season hasn’t even started but it’s clear that Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha is already under mounting pressure at Ibrox, especially after Rangers were dumped out of the Europa League by Luxembourg minnows, Progres Niederkorn.
After the game, Caixinha stated that he accepted “all the responsibility, we could not do what we were here to do – win the game – and I think this result is something that happens once in a lifetime. That’s part of football, we’ll get over this disappointment, but I assume all the responsibility. I’m always a positive guy, I never give up and I believe in this process. It’s a strong moment that we are facing and we need to face it with character personality and strength.”
“I believe in these players and the work that we’re going to do. There’s a strong lesson that we need to learn here and we need to focus on the positive sides that will come as we move into the future,” he added.
Prior to tonight, the Luxembourg side had never won a match in Europe – in fact, they only ever scored one goal in European competition – but it’s the minnows that advance to play AEL Limassol or St Joseph’s in the next round.
The Portuguese coach was hired from Qatari side Al Gharafa in March, but his position is looking increasingly uncertain.
After the game, Caixinha went over to chat with some of the Rangers fans and Roger Hannah, Scottish Sun Sports Editor, managed to grab a picture of the manager as he was standing in the shrubs.
According to Hannah, he was “seeking to appease fans.”
Take a look.
Pedro Caixinha seeking to appease fans. Others were less impressed. He has pledged to fight on. Reaction now at @scotsunsport online. https://t.co/pqYTifWf8Z
— Roger Hannah (@Hannahnaman) July 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/Hannahnaman/status/882346776057061376
— GR5 (@Rangers_Ready) July 4, 2017
