Derek McInnes insists that he possesses the qualities required to steer Rangers back onto a winning trajectory, even as criticism mounts following the club’s recent failure to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League. The Ibrox outfit suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the play‑off against Czech side Jablonec, losing on penalties on Thursday night. That loss means Rangers will be without any European competition for the first time since 2017, a setback that has intensified scrutiny on the manager and his staff.
The setback is compounded by a disappointing start in the domestic league. After only two fixtures, the team find themselves five points adrift at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. Despite the early season lag, McInnes remains resolute, repeatedly emphasizing his belief in his own abilities and in the capacity of his squad to turn the season around. "I’m not the first Rangers manager to have a rough opening chapter, but we’re determined to see this job through to the end, and it’s the final result that truly matters," McInnes told Sky Sports News.
He added that he still sees a clear pathway to success, but acknowledged that the club must do more to rally the fanbase and generate a sense of collective belief. "I still think we can be successful here, but we need to give the supporters a stronger reason 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." The manager was candid about the current state of affairs within the dressing room.
"At the moment none of us are performing at the level we need to be," he admitted. "It’s up to each of us to share responsibility and raise our standards. The players could use a little extra encouragement right now, but they also have to put in a bit more work to find that 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 expressed disappointment at missing out on a place in the group stage of the Conference League, describing the missed opportunity as a waste of potential.
"We can’t linger on what’s happened – it’s over. I know football; you have to reset, prepare for the next game and move forward. Sunday’s fixture is a big one for us," he said.
"Historically we haven’t had the best record at Pittodrie, so we need to be ready and focused." He also highlighted the broader implications of losing European football. Beyond the obvious financial shortfall, the absence from continental competition diminishes the club’s prestige on the international stage. "European football is vital for the club, not just for the money but for the stature it brings.
We’re all disappointed and gutted that we won’t be competing longer in Europe this season," McInnes remarked. Nevertheless, the manager insisted that the immediate priority shifts entirely to domestic matters. "Our full focus now is on Aberdeen and on the rest of the league campaign.
We have to become a club that consistently wins trophies at home," he asserted. "When I first arrived, I said we needed to concentrate on domestic success, and maybe focusing on that now gives us a better chance of achieving it." McInnes’ confidence may appear unshakable, but he also recognized the need for tangible improvement. He called for a collective effort from the coaching staff, the players, and the supporters to create a positive atmosphere that can lift the team’s performance. "We have to give the fans a reason to believe again.
When they’re behind us, it lifts the players. It’s a two‑way street," he explained. The manager’s self‑affirmation – "I’m a good manager, I back myself" – is a clear message to both his critics and his own squad that he will not be swayed by early setbacks.
He believes that with the right attitude, tactical adjustments, and a renewed sense of purpose, Rangers can recover their momentum and mount a serious challenge for the league title. In the coming weeks, the club will need to address several key areas: defensive solidity, consistency in attack, and the mental resilience to bounce back from disappointment. McInnes hinted that training sessions will be intensified, with a focus on set‑pieces and transitional play, aspects that have been lacking in recent matches. Fans, meanwhile, will be watching closely to see whether the manager’s confidence translates into on‑field results.
The upcoming clash with Aberdeen will serve as an early barometer of the team’s ability to respond to adversity. A positive result could reignite belief and provide a platform for a revival, while another setback could deepen the pressure on McInnes and his staff. Regardless of the outcome, McInnes has made it clear that his belief in his own capabilities and in the potential of his squad remains steadfast.
He is determined to steer Rangers back to the front of Scottish football, aiming to restore both domestic glory and the chance to compete on the European stage in the near future.