Derek McInnes openly acknowledged that his Rangers side is still not prepared to compete at the level required for the Europa League. The Ibrox club managed a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their third‑qualifying round encounter with Poland’s Jagiellonia Bialystok, but the aggregate score of 3-2 saw them eliminated – their earliest departure from the tournament since the 2016‑17 season. This result extended McInnes’ winless run to four matches since taking charge of the team.
The reaction from the Rangers faithful was unmistakable; boos echoed throughout the stadium as the final whistle blew, a response that McInnes said he understood and accepted. "It was justified, to be honest," he told the media. "The performance, especially in the second half, simply wasn’t good enough." He went on to stress the club’s ambitions: "Rangers are built for Europa League and Champions League participation – that’s the goal. But at this moment I’m not convinced the squad is ready for that level, and it hurts me to admit it." McInnes highlighted the need for improvement in both quality and confidence.
"We have to raise the standard of play and instil more belief in the group," he added. Injuries to left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Youssef Chermiti forced McInnes to reshuffle his lineup, opting for a back three after making five changes from the previous defeat to Hibernian. Explaining his tactical choices, he said, "I wanted to open the game up, and perhaps we left it a bit too open in the first half. Gassama and Yakota were used as quasi wing‑backs, which demanded a lot from them.
In the end, that approach yielded some penalty‑box activity and the goal we needed." Nevertheless, McInnes was candid about the shortcomings. "We were lucky to get the goal after a half‑hour of play, but Jagiellonia gave us several scares.
It’s clear we still lack a full 90‑minute performance. This has been a recurring issue for us this season." He reflected on the defensive lapses that led to the loss: "It’s incomprehensible that we didn’t make a foul, didn’t disrupt their attack, and failed to tidy up the situation.
It isn’t about lacking bodies; it’s about lacking intelligence and making the right decisions. Our composure vanished after that moment." At 55, McInnes is the sixth permanent manager to take the helm since Steven Gerrard’s departure in 2021.
Despite the poor start, he remains optimistic about turning the tide. "What we delivered last season wasn’t sufficient. You’re hired to improve things, and sometimes you’re brought in because things are already off‑track. We have to act quickly to set the right direction," he said.
He emphasized that Rangers should be winning games, especially against teams they are expected to beat. "Rangers, at their best, should be victorious in matches like this. We have work to do before the transfer window closes, and we need to be ready for the upcoming League Cup tie against defending champions St Mirren on Sunday." McInnes’ comments underline a realistic assessment of the squad’s current state and a clear call for progress. While the early Europa League exit is a disappointment, the manager’s honesty about the team’s readiness, combined with his focus on enhancing quality, confidence, and tactical discipline, suggests a roadmap for improvement.
Fans will be looking for signs of that development in the coming weeks, particularly as the club aims to re‑establish itself as a contender in both domestic and European competitions. The broader message from McInnes is one of accountability and ambition.
He acknowledges the club’s stature and the expectations that come with it, while also recognizing that the present group of players may need further reinforcement and refinement to meet those standards. The upcoming fixtures, including the crucial League Cup showdown, will serve as a litmus test for whether the changes he proposes can translate into tangible results on the pitch. In summary, Derek McInnes has admitted that Rangers are not yet equipped for Europa League challenges, citing tactical naiveté, defensive errors, and a lack of sustained performance as key issues.
He has outlined a plan that hinges on improving player quality, boosting confidence, and making smarter in‑game decisions. The next few weeks will be critical as the club seeks to reverse its fortunes and align its on‑field output with the lofty aspirations of its supporters and management.