Ex Rangers boss appointed in latest manager role as Ibrox flop backed to make 'positive impact' at new club
Gaffer’s six month spell at Ibrox didn’t go to plan
Former Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha has been appointed the new head coach of Belgian side Cercle Brugge in what will be his first role in Europe since his disastrous Ibrox spell almost a decade ago.
The Portuguese mentor succeeded Mark Warburton as Rangers boss in March 2017 - but was sacked 229 days later after failing to win 12 of his 26 matches in charge, including a 5-1 defeat to rivals Celtic and a humiliating European upset against Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn. Nine years and seven clubs later, the 55-year old is now returning to Europe.
Cercle Brugge parted ways with boss Lars Friis after picking up six points from their first 10 Pro League outings. Surprisingly, the club earned their first win of the season on Sunday against Royal Antwerp but it wasn’t enough to save the Dane his job.
Why have Cercle Brugge appointed Pedro Caixinha?
Having managed in Portugal, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Scotland, Cercle Brugge Technical Director Luciano Murchio is hoping Caixinha’s experience can help make a ‘positive impact’ as he embarks on a new chapter at the Jan Breydel Stadion. Upon the ex Rangers man’s arrival, he said: “Following a disappointing start to the season, with results falling below our expectations, we have decided to make a change in head coach. We would like to sincerely thank Lars for his commitment and professionalism over the past months.
“In Pedro, we welcome an experienced head coach who has demonstrated his qualities and achieved success at the highest level across different leagues and circumstances. We are convinced that he can help us achieve our objectives while respecting our playing principles and identity. We expect Pedro to have a positive impact on the team in the short term and help us turn around the current sporting situation. At the same time, we believe he can contribute to the stability and further development of Cercle in the longer term.”
Rangers flop boss brings ‘international experience’
A club statement announcing his arrival read: “Cercle Brugge has parted ways with head coach Lars Friis. The 50-year-old Dane will be replaced by Pedro Caixinha (55). The Portuguese coach has signed a contract with Green-Black until June 2027, with an option for an additional season.
“With the appointment of Pedro Caixinha, Cercle brings in a coach with extensive international experience. The 55-year-old Portuguese coach won the league title, domestic cup and super cup with Mexican side Santos Laguna, while also reaching the CONCACAF Champions League final. At Cruz Azul, he added another cup victory in 2018 and the Supercopa MX in 2019.
“Caixinha also made his mark in South America. With Argentine side Talleres, he reached the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. He also guided Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino to the Copa Libertadores qualifying rounds, gaining further experience in developing young players. In addition, Caixinha has managed clubs including Rangers, Al-Gharafa, Al Shabab and Santos FC. His most recent position was at Mexican club FC Juárez.”