Derek McInnes has made it clear that he still believes he possesses the qualities required to guide Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, even as criticism mounts following the club’s recent disappointment in Europe. The Ibrox outfit were knocked out of the UEFA Conference League after a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out against Czech side Jablonec on Thursday night, a defeat that consigns them to a season without continental competition for the first time since 2017. The loss has amplified the pressure on McInnes, whose tenure has already been scrutinised after a sluggish start to the domestic campaign.
Rangers sit five points adrift of the league leaders after just two matches, a gap that feels larger given the club’s lofty ambitions and the expectations of a fanbase accustomed to silverware. In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, McInnes addressed the mounting concerns head‑on. “I’m not the first Rangers manager to have a difficult opening spell, but we are determined to see this job through to the end, and it’s the final result that truly matters,” he said.
His tone was resolute, emphasizing a belief in his own capabilities as well as the potential of his squad. “I still think we can achieve success here, but we need to do a better job of encouraging the supporters to get behind us and buy into what we’re doing,” he added. The manager went on to affirm his self‑confidence, stating, “I’d like to think I know what I’m doing as a manager.
I’m a good manager, I back myself.” McInnes acknowledged that the recent performances have not met the standards expected at a club of Rangers’ stature. “At the moment, none of us are doing our jobs well enough, and it’s up to each of us to share the responsibility for turning things around,” he explained. He highlighted the need for a collective effort, noting that while the players may require a little extra encouragement, the entire coaching staff and the players themselves must also increase their work rate and focus.
"I think the players need a wee bit of help and support at the minute, but equally we’ve all got to work that wee bit harder to find that," he said. Looking ahead, McInnes is already turning his attention to the next challenge: a Premier League clash away at Aberdeen on Sunday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
He expressed disappointment at missing out on the European group stages, describing the missed opportunity as a “waste” but insisted that dwelling on the setback would be unproductive. “We can’t linger on it now; it’s done.
I know football – you have to get ready to go again, and we have a huge game on Sunday,” he remarked. The manager also referenced the club’s historical struggles at Pittodrie, Aberdeen’s home ground, acknowledging that Rangers have not enjoyed a strong record there in recent years. “We’ve not got the best record recently at Pittodrie, so we have to be ready for that one,” he said. McInnes underscored the importance of European competition for Rangers, not just from a financial perspective but also for the prestige and global profile it brings.
“European football is so important for the club, not only for the money but also for the prestige, so we’re all disappointed and gutted that we’re not competing longer in Europe,” he admitted. However, he quickly pivoted the conversation back to domestic priorities, emphasizing that the club’s immediate focus must be on regaining its dominance in the Scottish Premiership and returning to the trophy cabinet 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," McInnes asserted. Reflecting on his initial mandate when he took over the reins at Ibrox, the manager recalled his early statements about rebuilding the team’s foundation.
"When I first came in, I said that maybe concentrating on us domestically now gives us a better chance of that," he said, indicating that a renewed focus on league performance could ultimately lay the groundwork for future European qualification. The broader context of McInnes’s comments is a club that has historically been a powerhouse in Scottish football, boasting a record number of league titles and a passionate fanbase that expects consistent success.
The recent European exit and a points deficit in the league have sparked debates among supporters and pundits alike about the direction of the club and the suitability of its managerial appointment. Yet McInnes remains steadfast, insisting that his experience and tactical acumen will steer Rangers back to winning ways. He also touched on the psychological aspect of the game, noting that confidence and belief are crucial components of any successful campaign. "We have to rebuild that belief, not just in the dressing room but also among the fans.
When the supporters are behind you, it creates a powerful atmosphere that can lift the entire team," McInnes explained. This sentiment aligns with his earlier remarks about needing to give supporters more encouragement to buy into the project, suggesting a two‑way relationship between the club and its followers. In terms of practical steps, McInnes hinted at potential adjustments in training intensity, tactical flexibility, and perhaps even squad rotation to address the challenges ahead. While he did not divulge specific changes, his emphasis on increased effort and shared responsibility implies that both the coaching staff and the players will be expected to raise their standards.
The manager also alluded to the importance of mental resilience, especially after a loss on penalties, a scenario that can heavily influence a team’s morale. As Rangers prepare for the upcoming fixture at Pittodrie, the stakes are clear: a win could serve as a catalyst to reignite their title push and restore some confidence after a bruising week. A loss, however, could deepen the concerns surrounding McInnes’s tenure and intensify calls for change. The manager’s unwavering confidence in his own abilities and his commitment to the club’s objectives provide a clear message to both players and fans: the season is far from over, and there is still ample opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
For those following the Scottish Premiership, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether McInnes’s belief in himself and his squad translates into tangible results on the pitch. The manager’s candid admission of the club’s current shortcomings, combined with his resolve to improve and his appeal for supporter backing, set the tone for what could become a pivotal period in Rangers’ campaign.
As the team steps onto the field against Aberdeen, all eyes will be on whether the Ibrox side can demonstrate the resilience, determination, and quality required to get back on track and ultimately fulfill the promise of success that Derek McInnes continues to champion.