Derek McInnes insists that he still has the capacity to steer Rangers back to triumph, even as the club faces increasing scrutiny after missing out on a place in the UEFA Conference League. The Ibrox outfit suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Conference League play‑off against Czech side Jablonec, bowing out on penalties on Thursday night. That loss means the Glasgow club will be without any European competition for the first time since 2017, a setback that has intensified the pressure on both manager and squad. The early season league table also reflects the challenges ahead.
After just two matches, Rangers sit five points adrift of the Scottish Premiership leaders, a gap that feels uncomfortable for a side accustomed to challenging for the title. Yet McInnes remains resolute, urging his players and the fan base to stay focused and believe that the campaign can still be turned around.
"I'm not the first Rangers manager to have a difficult start," McInnes told Sky Sports News, acknowledging the club's recent history of early‑season turbulence. "What matters is how we finish the season.
We're determined to see this job through to the end because that's where the real measure of success lies." He went on to stress the importance of rallying the supporters behind the team. "I still believe we'll achieve success here, but we need to give the fans a bit more encouragement to get behind us," he said. "I like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager.
I'm a good manager and I back myself." McInnes was candid about the current state of affairs within the squad. "At the moment none of us are performing at the level we need to," he admitted. "It's our responsibility to share that burden and work collectively to raise our standards. The players could use a little extra support right now, but they also have to put in a bit more effort to find it." The next test for Rangers arrives on Sunday when they travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen in a Premier League clash that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
McInnes expressed disappointment over the missed European opportunity but warned against lingering on the setback. "I feel we wasted a chance to reach the group stages," the 55‑year‑old manager said.
"But we can't dwell on it now; the match is over. In football you have to reset, get ready for the next game, and we have a huge fixture on Sunday." He also noted Rangers' historically poor record at Pittodrie, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation.
"We haven't performed well there recently, so we must be ready for that challenge," McInnes added. Beyond the immediate disappointment, McInnes highlighted the broader significance of European competition for the club. "European football is vital for Rangers, not just financially but also for the prestige it brings. We're all gutted not to be competing longer in Europe," he remarked.
"However, our full attention now shifts to Aberdeen and the domestic season. We need to become a club that consistently wins trophies at home." He reminded listeners that his original mandate when he took over was to restore domestic dominance. "When I first arrived, I said we needed to focus on winning Scottish trophies.
Concentrating on our league and cup campaigns now gives us a better chance of achieving that goal," McInnes explained. Looking ahead, the manager outlined a roadmap for turning the season around.
He emphasized the importance of a strong defensive foundation, greater creativity in midfield, and a more clinical edge in front of goal. He also hinted at possible tactical tweaks, such as varying the formation to better exploit the strengths of key players and to counteract opponents' strategies.
McInnes also stressed the role of the club's youth academy and the potential for emerging talent to make an impact. "We have a great pool of young players who are eager to prove themselves," he said.
"Integrating them into the first team can bring fresh energy and competition for places, which is exactly what we need right now." In terms of transfer activity, McInnes indicated that the January window would be crucial. "We will assess the squad's needs and look for players who can add quality and depth," he noted. "But any signings must fit our style and culture." The manager concluded with a call to unity, both on and off the pitch. "We need the supporters, the staff, and the players all pulling in the same direction.
If we can do that, the results will follow," he affirmed. "I back myself, I back my staff, and I back this group of players.
Together we can still achieve great things for Rangers." Rangers' upcoming fixtures will test this resolve, but McInnes remains confident that with determination, strategic adjustments, and unwavering belief, the club can recover from its early setbacks and once again compete for the Scottish Premiership crown and domestic silverware.