Derek McInnes insists that his belief in his own abilities will be the catalyst for turning Rangers' fortunes around, even as the club grapples with early setbacks this season. The Ibrox outfit suffered a painful exit from the UEFA Conference League after a penalty shoot‑out defeat to Czech side Jablonec on Thursday, ending a run of European participation that had stretched back to 2017.
The loss, coupled with a sluggish start in the Scottish Premiership – where Rangers sit five points adrift of the leaders after just two fixtures – has intensified scrutiny on the manager and his squad. Speaking to Sky Sports News, McInnes acknowledged the difficult start but refused to let it define his tenure.
"I'm not the first Rangers manager to begin with a rough patch, but we are determined to see this job through, and it's the finish that truly matters," he said. The 55‑year‑old emphasized that confidence in his own managerial competence remains unshaken. "I still believe we can be successful here, but we need to give the supporters a bit more encouragement to get behind us," he added, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the team and its fanbase. McInnes was candid about the current state of affairs, noting that neither the players nor the coaching staff have been meeting the standards expected at a club of Rangers' stature.
"At the moment, none of us are doing our job well enough, and it's up to us to share the responsibility for improving things," he explained. He suggested that the squad could benefit from a modest boost of morale and backing, while also urging everyone involved to increase their effort levels.
"The players need a wee bit of help and support right now, but we all have to work a little harder to find that," he said. The manager also reflected on the missed opportunity to secure a place in the Conference League group stage, describing it as a squandered chance that will now have to be put behind them.
"I just feel as though we've wasted an opportunity to qualify for the group stages," McInnes admitted. However, he quickly pivoted to a forward‑looking stance, emphasizing the need to regroup and focus on the upcoming domestic challenge against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday. "We can't dwell on it now; it's done. I know football – you have to be ready to go again, and we have a huge game on Sunday," he said.
McInnes highlighted the particular difficulty Rangers have faced at Aberdeen's ground in recent years, suggesting that extra preparation will be essential. "We've not got the best record recently at Pittodrie, so we have to be ready for that one," he noted. He also stressed the broader significance of European competition for Rangers, pointing out that the benefits extend beyond the financial windfall to include prestige and the club's global profile. "European football is so important for the club, not just from a financial aspect but just from a prestige point of view, so we're all disappointed and gutted that we're not competing longer in Europe," he said.
Despite the disappointment, McInnes reaffirmed that the club's immediate priority is to refocus on domestic objectives. "Our full focus is on Aberdeen, the full focus will be on us this season domestically now and I do think we need to be a club that gets back to winning trophies domestically," he asserted. He reminded listeners that when he first took the helm, his ambition was to restore Rangers to the summit of Scottish football, and he believes that concentrating on domestic success may provide the best pathway back to that goal.
The manager's remarks paint a picture of a leader who, while aware of the challenges and criticisms, remains steadfast in his self‑belief and committed to rallying both his players and the fanbase. By acknowledging the shortcomings, offering a clear plan to address them, and emphasizing the importance of unity and hard work, McInnes aims to shift the narrative from one of early-season disappointment to a story of resilience and eventual triumph.
As Rangers prepare for their next match, the manager's confidence and call for collective effort will be tested, but his message is clear: the season is far from over, and with the right mindset and support, success remains within reach.