McInnes: This is what I find strange about Rangers boss Caixinha
By Matt Farr
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has issued a fiery response to Pedro Caixinha following his rival’s comments ahead of their clash at Ibrox on Wednesday.
Caixinha began the war of words with McInnes on Monday by claiming Aberdeen were reaching the ‘end of their cycle’, whilst insisting his Rangers side were on the way up.
However, the 45-year-old Aberdeen chief hit back at Caixinha on Tuesday, admitting it was ‘strange’ that the Portuguese felt the need to ‘talk about other clubs so much’.
He said, as quoted by the club’s official Twitter account: “I find it strange that the Rangers manager feels the need to talk about other clubs so much.”
This is far from the first time that Caixinha has openly discussed his opposition ahead of a tie, having raised eyebrows by naming the expected Aberdeen starting eleven ahead of their previous clash.
The two sides last met at Pittodrie on April 9, but Caixinha attempted to unsettle his opponents by predicting their full starting line-up, as well as six possible substitutes, a day earlier.
Rangers went on to win the game 3-0 thanks to a late flurry of goals from Kenny Miller (twice) and Joe Dodoo.
Caixinha has also regularly spoken of his interest in signing one of Aberdeen’s current stars, Ryan Jack, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The two sides go head-to-head for the final time this season, with six points currently separating them in the Scottish Premiership table.
Aberdeen are second, with Rangers in third, but they both sit miles behind champions Celtic, who are 30 points clear at the top of the table.
In other Rangers news, Caixinha has hinted that this player could have a key role at the club next season.
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