Derek McInnes has insisted that his belief in his own abilities remains unshaken, even as the pressure mounts after Rangers’ recent disappointment in Europe. The former Aberdeen boss, now at the helm of the Ibrox side, told Sky Sports News that he still sees a path to triumph for the club, despite a shaky start to the campaign. The disappointment came on Thursday night when Rangers were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League in a penalty shoot‑out defeat to Czech outfit Jablonec. The loss meant the Glasgow giants will miss out on European competition for the first time since the 2016‑17 season, a setback that has intensified scrutiny on McInnes and his squad.
With the Scottish Premiership title race already five points behind the leaders after just two league fixtures, the manager’s confidence may appear out of step with the results, but he remains resolute. "I'm not the first Rangers manager to get off to a tough start," McInnes said, acknowledging the club’s history of early‑season struggles. "But we are determined to see this job through, and it’s the finish that matters." He emphasized that perseverance and a collective effort would be essential to turn the season around, urging both players and supporters to stay engaged. The manager also addressed the need for greater fan involvement.
"We need to give the supporters a bit more encouragement to buy in and back us," he explained. By fostering a stronger connection with the fanbase, McInnes believes the team can generate the momentum required to climb back into contention.
When asked about his own credentials, McInnes was unapologetically confident. "I like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager. I'm a good manager, I back myself," he declared.
This self‑assurance is intended to reassure the dressing room and the club hierarchy that the leadership at the top is steady, even when the on‑field results have been less than ideal. He did not shy away from admitting that, at present, neither he nor his players are delivering at the level expected. "At the minute, none of us are doing our job well enough, and it’s up to us to share that responsibility and improve," McInnes said.
He highlighted the need for a modest boost in morale and support for the squad, while also stressing that the players must increase their effort to find that extra edge. Rangers’ next challenge arrives on Sunday, when they travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen in a Premiership clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McInnes reflected on the missed opportunity in Europe, noting, "I just feel as though we've wasted an opportunity to qualify for the group stages. But we can’t dwell on it now; it’s done." He reminded everyone that football is a sport of constant renewal: "You have to get ready to go again, and we have a huge game on Sunday." The manager also pointed out that Rangers have historically struggled at Pittodrie in recent years, adding another layer of difficulty to the upcoming fixture. "We haven’t got the best record recently at Pittodrie, so we have to be ready for that one," he said, underscoring the importance of preparation and mental focus. Beyond the immediate disappointment, McInnes stressed the broader significance of European football for Rangers.
"European football is vital for the club, not just financially but also for prestige," he explained. The loss hurts both the club’s coffers and its standing on the continental stage, leaving the supporters and players alike feeling “disappointed and gutted.” Nevertheless, the manager made it clear that the club’s priorities are shifting back to domestic success. "Our full focus is now on Aberdeen, and the rest of the season will be about winning trophies at home," he affirmed.
He reminded everyone that when he first arrived at Ibrox, his ambition was to restore Rangers to the top of Scottish football, and he believes concentrating on domestic competitions may provide the best route to achieving that goal. McInnes concluded with a forward‑looking statement: "When I first came in, I said we needed to get back to winning trophies domestically. Maybe focusing on that now gives us a better chance of doing it." By redirecting the club’s energy toward the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup, he hopes to rebuild confidence, secure silverware, and eventually re‑establish Rangers as a regular participant in European tournaments.
In summary, despite an early-season setback that includes a missed European qualification and a points deficit in the league, Derek McInnes remains steadfast in his belief that he can guide Rangers back to success. He is calling for increased support from fans, a collective effort from players, and a renewed focus on domestic objectives as the team prepares for its next match against Aberdeen. The manager’s confidence, combined with a clear plan to prioritize Scottish competitions, sets the tone for a campaign that, while challenging, still holds the promise of redemption and future triumphs.