Rangers have seen their European campaign come to an abrupt end, finding themselves five points adrift of league leaders Celtic even before September has truly begun. The early-season disappointment has intensified scrutiny on both the playing group and manager Derek McInnes, whose job security now feels more precarious than ever at Ibrox.
McInnes’ next test arrives on Sunday when his re‑shaped side travels to Pittodrie to take on his former club Aberdeen, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The central question for supporters and pundits alike is whether the manager can spark a response from a group of players he has openly admitted are struggling, and what underlying issues are dragging the club down.
### The Immediate Reaction In the wake of the 2‑0 loss to Czech side Jablonec, McInnes described himself as "mortified" and "embarrassed" – emotions that perfectly capture the mood at Ibrox. The statistics underline his frustration: just one shot on target across 120 minutes, significantly less possession than the opposition, and a lack of creativity in the final third. Defensively, the team appeared tentative, conceding space and failing to organise themselves effectively.
For a club that was expected to dominate a team that finished fifth in the Czech top flight, the performance was a stark underachievement. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd did not mince words, calling the display an "all‑time low" for Rangers. McInnes took full responsibility, conceding that his players were "miles short" of the standards required for European competition. The reality is that Rangers will not feature in any group‑stage European football this season – a situation not seen since 2017.
This absence will have financial implications and will also affect the club’s ability to attract top talent, adding further pressure on the manager to deliver domestically. ### What Went Wrong?
Rangers entered the Jablonec tie with a clear advantage, having won the first leg 1‑0 and even requesting a postponement of their league match against St Mirren to maximise preparation time. McInnes stuck with the same starting eleven that had earned the first‑leg victory, a decision that initially suggested confidence in his squad. However, at half‑time he made three changes – a pattern that has become familiar throughout the campaign. The alterations failed to inject the needed spark; the team continued to struggle to find a foothold, and McInnes was forced to tweak both shape and personnel several times during the 120 minutes.
None of these adjustments produced the desired effect. Post‑match, McInnes admitted his side looked uncomfortable on the ball, lacked potency on the counter‑attack, and were unhappy when forced to play a direct style.
Boyd interpreted the frequent changes as a sign that McInnes has "no trust" in certain players, and that those individuals are currently suffering from a severe confidence dip. ### How Poor Is This Start? Every managerial tenure at Rangers has been measured against the high bar set by former coaches.
Comparing McInnes’ early record with his immediate predecessors highlights a worrying trend. Russell Martin, who took over last season, managed three wins and one loss in his first seven games before being dismissed after ten more fixtures. Danny Rohl, who succeeded Martin in October, recorded four wins and three defeats over an equivalent span before leaving for RB Salzburg. By contrast, McInnes has secured only two victories while suffering three defeats in his first seven league outings – a start that is statistically worse than both of his forerunners.
### The Fan Perspective: Patience or Change? Ibrox supporters are known for their passionate involvement, and a bleak opening to the season can quickly erode patience. Some fans are already calling for decisive action, arguing that the revolving door of seven permanent managers in less than five years is unsustainable. Others adopt a longer‑term view, suggesting that constant managerial turnover has become a symptom rather than a solution, and that stability is required to rebuild.
Club chairman Andrew Cavenagh and the US‑led ownership group have publicly pledged to pursue "sustained winning and winning sustainably". Yet, at a recent shareholders’ meeting, Cavenagh admitted that finishing second – or lower – has begun to permeate every corner of the club, indicating a recognition that the current trajectory is unacceptable.
Historically, Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership, winning 14 of the last 15 titles. In the most recent season Rangers finished third, even behind a Hearts side managed by McInnes himself.
This context adds weight to the urgency for a turnaround. ### Is There Hope on the Horizon? Rangers have already begun to reshape the squad. Twelve new signings arrived over the summer, and a further high‑profile acquisition – striker Kevin Kelsy – appears imminent after a £9.2 million agreement with the Portland Timbers.
McInnes has acknowledged that his side looks "young" and "inexperienced", but he also emphasised that the club is actively working to bolster the roster. The immediate fixture list offers a chance for redemption.
After the Aberdeen clash, Rangers travel to Falkirk three days later, then host Motherwell the following Saturday. The calendar then squeezes two Old Firm encounters before the international break: a League Cup tie at Ibrox on September 13 and a Premiership showdown at Celtic Park a week later, both televised on Sky Sports. These high‑profile games could serve as catalysts for a morale boost if the team manages to deliver competitive performances.
### Will the Board Continue Backing McInnes? All signs point to continued support, at least in the short term. The club’s substantial summer spending would be unlikely if the owners had lost faith in the manager. Chief executive Jim Gillespie, who oversaw the recruitment of McInnes, described him as the "only one name that ticked all the boxes" when he was poached from Hearts in June.
While the board will undoubtedly expect quicker results, they have also expressed optimism that the club is on a better path than it was twelve months ago. In summary, Rangers face a crucial period in which they must convert their substantial investment and squad overhaul into tangible on‑field success. The next few weeks – featuring matches against Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell, and the Old Firm rivals – will be decisive in determining whether Derek McInnes can steady the ship or whether Ibrox will seek a new direction. The stakes are high, the timeline is short, and the fans are watching closely for any sign of improvement.