Derek McInnes openly acknowledged that Rangers are not yet equipped to compete at the level required for the Europa League. The Glasgow club secured a 1‑1 draw at Ibrox in the second leg of their third‑qualifying round encounter with Poland's Jagiellonia Białystok, but ultimately fell 3‑2 on aggregate, marking their swiftest departure from the competition since the 2016‑17 season.
The result extended McInnes' winless run as Rangers' manager to four games. Following the match, Jagiellonia's supporters responded to a cheeky comment suggesting the club's name resembled a Wi‑Fi password, prompting a chorus of boos from the Rangers faithful at full‑time.
McInnes accepted the reaction, noting that the crowd's displeasure was understandable. "It was justified, to be honest. It wasn't good enough. What we served up, particularly in the second half, wasn't good enough," the former Rangers midfielder said in the post‑match interview.
He added that the club's ambition is to compete regularly in both the Europa League and the Champions League, but he doubts the current squad is ready for that challenge. "It pains me to say it, but I don't think the team is quite there yet," he admitted. McInnes stressed the need for higher quality performances and greater confidence from his players.
With left‑back Tuur Rommens and striker Youssef Chermiti sidelined through injury, he reshuffled the formation, opting for a back three and making five changes from the previous defeat to Hibernian. He explained his tactical intent, saying, "I felt we had to open the game, and at times it became a bit too open in the first half. Gassama and Yakota were used as wing‑backs, which demanded a lot from them." He believed the adjustments paid off by creating more activity in the penalty area, which eventually led to Rangers' goal.
However, he cautioned that Jagiellonia still posed a threat, noting, "They had a couple of scares. It wasn't a full 90‑minute performance from us, and that's been a pattern this season." Reflecting on the team's overall display, McInnes said, "In the four games we've played, there have been some good moments, but they haven't been sufficient. We haven't produced a strong, consistent 90‑minute performance." He was particularly critical of the defensive lapse that allowed the opposition goal, describing it as inexplicable. "We failed to make a timely foul, we didn't disrupt the flow of the attack, and we didn't tidy up the situation.
It wasn't a lack of bodies; it was a lack of intelligence and the right decision‑making," he said. The loss of composure after conceding, he added, was evident. At 55, McInnes is the sixth permanent manager appointed by Rangers since Steven Gerrard's departure in 2021.
Despite the poor start to his tenure, he remains convinced he can reverse the club's fortunes. "What we delivered last year wasn't good enough. You get a job for a reason – to improve things.
Sometimes you are hired because things aren't right, and you have to act quickly to set them on the proper course," he remarked. He emphasized that Rangers should be winning matches, especially against opponents they consider beatable.
"There is no doubt about it; we should be winning this game. Rangers, when at their best, should be victorious, and we have work to do before the next window closes and before our upcoming League Cup tie against the holders, St Mirren," McInnes concluded. The manager's candid assessment underscores the challenges Rangers face as they seek to rebuild a squad capable of competing on both domestic and European stages.
While the early exit from the Europa League is a setback, McInnes' focus on tactical adjustments, player confidence, and intelligent decision‑making suggests a roadmap for improvement as the season progresses.