Derek McInnes has taken a firm stance, insisting that his own abilities as a manager are sufficient to guide Rangers back to success, even as criticism mounts after the club’s recent European disappointment. The Ibrox side suffered a heart‑breaking exit from the UEFA Conference League when they were edged out by Czech side Jablonec in a penalty shoot‑out on Thursday night, a result that leaves Rangers without any continental competition for the first time since 2017.
The loss has intensified scrutiny on McInnes, who now faces a dual challenge: reviving the club’s European ambitions and closing the gap in the Scottish Premiership, where Rangers sit five points adrift after just two league fixtures. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, McInnes acknowledged the rough start but emphasized his belief that the season’s outcome is still very much in the hands of the team. "I'm not the first Rangers manager to get off to a tough start, but we are determined to follow this job through and it's the end that counts," he said, underscoring his commitment to seeing the campaign through to its conclusion. He added a personal note of confidence, stating, "I still believe we're going to be a success here, but we need to try and give a bit more encouragement to the supporters to buy into and get behind.
I'd like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager. I'm a good manager, I back myself." McInnes did not shy away from admitting that the current performance levels are below the standards expected at Ibrox.
"At the minute, none of us are doing our job well enough and it's up to us to try and share that responsibility to improve things," he explained. He called for a collective effort, noting that the players need a "wee bit of help and support" while also urging everyone involved to work harder to find that extra edge.
The manager’s remarks reflect a pragmatic approach: acknowledging the shortcomings while also offering a roadmap for recovery. The upcoming domestic fixture against Aberdeen, scheduled for Sunday at Pittodrie, will be the first real test of McInnes's rallying cry. Rangers will travel to a venue where they have historically struggled, and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McInnes expressed a mixture of regret and resolve regarding the missed European opportunity: "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. I know football, you've got to get ready to go again and obviously a huge game on Sunday for us." He highlighted the dual importance of European competition for Rangers, noting that it is not only a financial lifeline but also a matter of prestige: "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." Yet, McInnes quickly pivoted the focus back to the domestic arena, insisting that the club must now concentrate on winning trophies at home. "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. When I first came in, I said that and maybe just concentrating on us domestically now gives us a better chance of that." The manager’s confidence in his own capabilities is rooted in his extensive experience within Scottish football, where he has previously guided clubs to promotion and cup success.
He believes that his tactical acumen, combined with a renewed sense of purpose among the squad, can reverse the current slide. McInnes also stressed the need for stronger engagement with the fanbase, urging supporters to rally behind the team despite the setback. "We need to give the supporters a reason to believe again, to get behind us and create that atmosphere that fuels the players," he said.
Beyond the immediate tactical adjustments, McInnes hinted at possible squad rotations and strategic signings to bolster depth, especially given the congested fixture schedule that lies ahead. He acknowledged that the squad may need fresh impetus to cope with the demands of both league and cup competitions, and he is prepared to make bold decisions in the transfer market if required. In summary, Derek McInnes remains steadfast in his self‑assessment as a capable manager and is determined to steer Rangers back onto a winning trajectory.
While the disappointment of missing out on European football looms large, the manager’s message is clear: the season is far from over, and with collective effort, tactical tweaks, and renewed supporter enthusiasm, Rangers can still achieve domestic glory. The upcoming clash with Aberdeen will serve as a litmus test for McInnes's plans, and a positive result could ignite a much‑needed surge in confidence as the club aims to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership and reclaim its status as a trophy‑winning powerhouse.