Rangers are taking the game right to archrivals Celtic as the comeback Scottish giants finished their seventh and eighth signing of the season in Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera, as per reports. New manager Pedro Caixinha is determined to prove a point next season as he transforms his side into potential title challengers.
Last season was a clean slate by the Bhoys as they finished top of the table with a whopping 30-points gap from second finished Aberdeen. Rangers did meet Celtic four times in the Premiership, with a comparatively much weaker side, and although they were easily defeated 3 times, the Teddy Bears did show some real grit once in a 1-1 draw.
It goes without saying that all of Rangers’ preparations so far is with keeping in mind Celtic’s enormous stature in Scottish football now. Caixinha had little time to improve Rangers’ season when he arrived mid-term, but he did brilliantly to recognise immediate improvements. Caixinha’s reputation precedes him and it has already enabled him to bring in some of the experienced crops from across Europe.
Although Rangers did manage a third-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership last term, their blunt attack was a huge source of criticism. Hence, after beefing up their defence with the likes of Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso, and midfield in Daniel Candeias, the Portuguese boss wasted no time in moving to the most important part, forwards.
Eduardo Herrera would join Alfredo Morelos and Dalcio in their front line in what looks like a formidable force. Rangers could manage to score only 56 goals in 38 games, which was obvious, given their attack was led by 37-year-old Kenny Miller. And Caixinha would hope it improves drastically with 28-year-old Mexican international’s arrival.
Herrera has been playing for Mexican side Pumas since 2007 but came under the management of Caixinha during his loan stint with Santos Laguna. At 6ft 2in, he could be a huge threat for any defence. He has been a prolific scorer in his homeland getting 57 goals in 207 appearances so far, and Rangers fans are surely excited.
The other signing has been of Mexican midfielder Carlos Pena from club Guadalajara. The 27-year-old isn’t as tall as his compatriot arriving with him but possesses some brilliant close ball control and passing abilities from the deep midfield. A midfielder by nature, he can also play as a right-back as and when needed.
Rangers would see a completely different side lining up next season, and their pre-season remains a quintessential part of their campaign now.
