Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha not worried about his future
Monday 18 September 2017 15:33, UK
Pedro Caixinha insists he has not been distracted by speculation surrounding his future ahead of a pivotal week for Rangers.
The Gers travel to Firhill Stadium on Tuesday for the second time in five days to take on Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup after being held to a 2-2 draw by Alan Archibald's side in the league on Friday night.
That is followed by the visit of Old Firm rivals Celtic to Ibrox on Saturday for the first Old Firm derby of the season, live on Sky Sports Football.
An exit from the cup at the hands of Partick or potentially falling eight points behind Celtic in the title race would heap pressure on Caixinha and his team but he insists he remains focused solely on the task at hand.
"I don't care about that," Caixinha said when asked about reports regarding his future at Ibrox.
"I just focus on my work. If I was focusing on that I might be near the TV or reading the newspapers all the time.
"When I first came [here], I got a huge amount of newspapers on the first day and I asked why? [It was because] all the managers asked for this.
"I came here to work. I didn't come here to read newspapers. I don't watch TV so I don't care about it. I am here to do my job and I am focused on my job.
"My job is about winning. After, if I don't win, I will be judged by that. Okay, that is part of the job as well but I am not thinking about it."
Rangers captain Lee Wallace has been ruled out of both matches due a groin injury picked up in Friday's draw with Partick.
Declan John is set to deputise at left back but Caixinha admits losing his skipper is a blow.
"It is always a disappointment when you lose players and you cannot count on all the players," Caixinha said.
"I like to have those [selection] doubts when we have everyone to pick from and besides that, Lee is our captain.
"So at this moment Lee is heading to Manchester to be assessed and have an evaluation maybe later today to see how much time he is going to be absent."