Source: Team_Talk
Edu wary of Celtic backlash
The Hoops have begun the search for a new boss in the wake of Strachan's decision to quit just 24 hours after Rangers won the Scottish Premier League.
He may have chosen to walk away after failing in his quest for a fourth successive title, but Strachan will know his CV has been boosted by winning three championships and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League twice during his time in the east end of Glasgow.
Celtic chiefs will be hoping for similar results from his replacement but, having now had a taste of success, Edu insists Rangers will also be up for the challenge next term.
"I think he was a good manager," he said of Strachan.
"It's unfortunate that he stepped down but I'm sure he will go on and assume a new role somewhere else and do well there too.
"Hopefully whoever comes in to lead Celtic won't do as well because we want to continue winning titles here.
"But I'm sure whoever comes in and assumes that role will be the right person for the job.
"They had won three in a row and have just lost so there is a desire to come back and try to win the title.
"That's always going to be there, there is always going to be that edge and competition to win.
"For us, there is also the will to come back and win again. We want a repeat, we want to win the title as well next year."
While the search begins for a new Celtic boss, Walter Smith has stated his desire to remain at Rangers.
Speculation had been rife that the veteran boss could hand over the reins to assistant boss Ally McCoist and quit on a high.
But Smith says he is going nowhere and Edu believes Rangers can only benefit from having him at the helm next season.
He added: "We all enjoy playing for him knowing that we have a manager who believes in us. We just enjoy going out there and working for him.
"Who knows what's going to happen? But we are all happy and enjoying things right now.
"If he was to stay next year we would all be happy and hopefully we can win another title under his guidance."
Edu had to endure a frustrating spell on the sidelines after quitting Major League Soccer for Rangers last summer, before being given his chance in the latter stages of the season.
But he had nothing but praise for Smith and the part he has played in his own development.
"He has been great for me to tell the truth," said the American midfielder.
"Some people might look at it and say that I didn't play every game.
"But he has brought me along and gave me time to settle in and adjust to the game and be in the best situation possible so that when my time came I would be prepared for it.
"Now that I've had this good run of games, it has been good for my confidence."
Edu claims Smith was the driving force behind Rangers' title success, adding: "The manager was great for us.
"He is definitely a good manager to play for and the whole team and everyone here has a massive amount of respect for him.
"He knows the right words to say at the right time and he has kept us motivated throughout the season.
"We were seven points behind and everyone thought the title was in Celtic's hands and the season was over for us.
"But he believed in us and that led to us believing in ourselves and here we are now."
