Johnstone delivers three-word verdict on new Caixinha squad, Rangers fans won’t like this
By Abigail Withey
Fans need to remember that Pedro Caixinha’s current squad is a “work in progress”, according to football pundit Derek Johnstone.
The former Rangers and Scotland striker delivered his verdict on the new-look Rangers side ahead of their Premiership opener against Motherwell this weekend.
Gers had a successful week of friendly matches, after the newly gelled squad secured a draw against Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, in addition to two victories against both Watford and Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the Scotland international turned football columnist has said that supporters shouldn’t get too excited about their friendly success.
He said: “Some fans have got a bit carried away after the games with Marseille, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday but you need to remember that this side is still very much a work in progress.
“It has never been heard of before that a team can finish 39 points off the pace and then win the title the following season,” Johnstone wrote in his Glasgow Evening Times column.
“So the first thing that Rangers have to look at is getting above Aberdeen and finishing second. That is important.”
The football writer has said that he believes supporters are asking too much of their club.
“It will be a completely different Rangers team this year but I think you are asking too much for them to go all the way and win the league.” Jonhstone explained. “We will be behind Celtic, but the gap won’t be 39 points.
“The big thing for Rangers this season is consistency. Too often last season they dropped points in games that they should have won and that can’t happen if you want to challenge for trophies.”
Last season the Light Blues finished in third place beneath winners Celtic and second place Aberdeen, but Caixinha will be hoping that his efforts to bolster his squad before the beginning of the season will be enough to climb the ranks and secure some silverware.
Rangers will travel away to Fir Park on Sunday for their Premiership opener against Motherwell with the aim of securing three points.
In other Rangers news, their new recruit reveals his plans for the upcoming season.
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