Kris Commons believes that Pedro Caixinha’s job as Rangers manager could be in doubt if his team are hammered by Celtic on Saturday.
The first Old Firm derby of the season has extra importance, after Caixinha spent close to £9million overhauling the Rangers squad that finished 33 points behind Celtic last season.
His new side has had a stuttering start to the season though, sitting five points behind Celtic at the top.
They’ve won three games, but lost to Hibs and drew two games, including the recent 2-2 against Partick Thistle on Friday.
The last time the two sides met in the premiership, Celtic hammered Rangers 5-1 at Ibrox.
And Commons believes that if that happens again, Caixinha’s job could be under threat.
Talking in his column in the Scottish Daily Mail, Commons said: “All the changes and money being spent will, without question, add more pressure on to Pedro and his men from the Ibrox supporters and they will demand drastic improvements from last season’s Old Firm clashes.
“Although there has been a slight improvement in their performances, watching them, I still think as though Rangers look like they are a team trying to find their identity.
“Only time will tell if they can handle the occasion and also whether Rangers have made the required improvements under Pedro. Saturday’s game will certainly be a bench mark for him.
“If Rangers win, then I fully expect Pedro to be hailed as a mastermind.
“However, lose in the same manner as they did five months ago and it could be curtains for the Portuguese boss.”
OPINION
There hasn’t been an Old Firm derby in history that needs building up, but it’s fair to say that Saturday lunchtime’s clash is one of the most significant in recent times. Rangers had a terrible time against their bitter rivals last season, managing just one 1-1 draw and getting hammered 5-1 twice. Pedro Caixinha has come in and spent a lot of money and his new recruits have had plenty of time to gel. This is their first huge test and if they can get something out of the game, Caixinha will be on his way to being a hero. Would his job be under threat if Rangers get hammered? It’s probably too early for that, but it would definitely increase the pressure on the Portuguese manager and it would also wipe out any chance Rangers have of battling for the title this season.