Scottish Rangers: Pedro Caixinha's bet on Mexicans to regain glory

At the beginning of last March, an unknown man took the helm of Rangers in Scotland, a team that has regained the strength of its fans and the game that made it the most successful club in the country over the past two years. That figure who attracted attention and lifted a blue and red scarf in his presentation was none other than Pedro Caixinha, an offensive-minded coach with previous experience in Mexican football.

WE RECOMMEND: Rangers in Scotland presents 'Gullit' Peña and Herrera.

"I come to restore the competitive spirit of this team; that's why they brought me here," he pointed out in front of cameras and microphones. Little by little, in addition to his strong character, Caixinha showcased his knowledge on the bench, attracting positive results for Rangers, who finished in third place with 67 points after 38 matches. Only the surprising Aberdeen (76) and Celtic (106) as the leader, the most complex and historic rival of the blues, surpassed the Portuguese team.

This is precisely Pedro Caixinha's mission starting from the upcoming season: to regain the limelight and overthrow Celtic's hegemony, which has been crowned the champion of the Scottish Premier League for the past six years. The manager's medium-term task is to impose a style of play that pleases the fans, but is also effective. The board opened the checkbook during this transfer window in order to guarantee him the presence of players he trusts.

That is when the former Santos Laguna coach turned his attention towards Mexico. After a couple of months managing Rangers, Caixinha knew perfectly well what his squad lacked and which areas needed strengthening. That's why he chose players he was already familiar with: veteran Portuguese defender Bruno Alves arrived to bolster the defense; in midfield, Fabio Candeilas and Ryan Jack...

And right for the creation of offensive opportunities, Pedro called on Carlos "Gullit" Peña, a player who saw his market value decrease over the past year and a half. However, Caixinha believes in bringing back the version of the Mexican midfielder that he knew, as in 2014 he displayed security, confidence, goals, and assists. This is why his presence was crucial in Mexico's playoff for the World Cup, even if he did not have the desired role in the intercontinental tournament under the command of Miguel Herrera.

"I have followed his career closely since I arrived in Mexico in mid-2012. I believe Carlos can return to the Mexican national team and Rangers can have a player competing in the next World Cup," said Caixinha, although he is aware that he must be very close to Peña and be very supportive to help him adapt, as "it's a new country, a new way of playing football and that requires great support."

And to score goals, Caixinha chose Eduardo Herrera, a former Pumas player who he also coached between 2013 and 2014, after spending a year on loan at Santos. It is thanks to the prior trust and the player's familiarity with the coach that the striker decided to say yes.

"Pedro was important because he called me and told me that if I wanted to come here, I could. I know there is a lot of pressure in an important entity like this, but I already have experience in the national team and in great teams in Mexico, so I am prepared," emphasized the forward upon his arrival in Scotland.

This is Pedro Caixinha's unconventional bet to recover the greatness of a historic team in Scotland. In addition to competing for the top spot in the Scottish Premier League, Rangers will have to earn their place in the group stage of the Europa League, a tournament in which they have already secured a playoff spot. If successful, with two Mexicans leading the way, both players will regain the winning path of their careers. If they fail to achieve the numerical objectives, both Mexican players will be criticized, just like the rest of the reinforcements. Gullit and Lalo are racing against time, and patience will not be abundant in Scotland; they must win. However, in Caixinha, they will have an ally: "I know what they can give, I know them and I will demand from them."