Rangers have been knocked out of European competition altogether, finding themselves five points adrift of league leaders Celtic even before September has fully arrived. The disappointment has amplified the pressure on both the playing group and manager Derek McInnes at Ibrox, where expectations remain sky‑high. McInnes’ next test comes on Sunday when his revamped side travels to Pittodrie to take on his former club Aberdeen, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The central question now is whether McInnes can spark a response from a group of players he has openly admitted are struggling, and what underlying issues are dragging the club down.
**What has been the reaction?** Following the 2‑0 loss to Jablonec, McInnes described his feelings as "mortified" and "embarrassed" – a sentiment echoed by many observers. The statistics underline the disappointment: only one shot on target in 120 minutes, less possession than the Czech side, an attack that seemed bereft of ideas and a defence that appeared uncertain.
Jablonec finished fifth in the Czech First League last season, making the one‑sided nature of the defeat even more stark. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd labelled the performance an "all‑time low" for Rangers. McInnes took full responsibility, conceding that his players were "miles short" of the standard required.
The reality is that Rangers will not feature in any European group stage this campaign – a situation not seen since 2017. Some supporters will point the finger at the manager, others at the squad, but the truth is that the failure was collective. **Why did it go wrong?** Rangers entered the tie with a clear week to prepare after securing a 1‑0 win in the first leg. They even asked for their league fixture against St Mirren to be postponed, showing the club’s intent to prioritise the European tie.
McInnes stuck with the same starting eleven for the first time this season, yet at half‑time he made three changes – a pattern that has recurred throughout the campaign. The adjustments failed to produce any tangible improvement.
Over the course of 120 minutes McInnes altered shape and personnel multiple times, but none of the tweaks altered the team’s fortunes. Post‑match, McInnes admitted his side looked uncomfortable on the ball, lacked effectiveness on the counter‑attack and struggled when forced to play direct. Boyd suggested that the frequent changes signalled a lack of trust in certain players, and that those individuals were currently lacking confidence. **How poor has the start been compared with previous managers?** Every season brings its own challenges, but a quick glance at recent managerial records highlights how McInnes’ start stacks up poorly.
Russell Martin, who began the previous season, recorded three wins and one loss in his first seven games before being dismissed after another ten fixtures. Danny Rohl, who replaced Martin in October, managed four wins and three defeats over the same span before departing for RB Salzburg.
By contrast, McInnes has secured just two victories while suffering three losses in his first seven league matches. **What lies ahead?** The upcoming fixture against Aberdeen – a club McInnes knows intimately – will be a crucial barometer.
A positive result could restore some belief, while another setback would deepen calls for change. Rangers’ schedule is congested: after Aberdeen they travel to Falkirk three days later, then host Motherwell the following Saturday. The international break will be brief before the Old Firm clashes resume – a League Cup tie at Ibrox on September 13 and a Premiership showdown at Celtic Park a week later, both televised on Sky Sports.
**Is there patience among the fans?** Ibrox supporters have a short fuse when a season begins badly. Some are already demanding a shake‑up, while others argue that constant managerial turnover – seven permanent bosses in less than five years – is unsustainable and that stability is needed. The club’s hierarchy, led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and the US‑based ownership group, has repeatedly spoken of "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. Historically, Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership, winning 14 of the last 15 titles.
Rangers finished third last season, even behind a Hearts side managed by McInnes himself, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge. **Can McInnes be given more time?** The evidence suggests the board is willing to back him. The summer spending spree – twelve signings to date, with striker Kevin Kelsy poised to join for a reported £9.2 million from Portland Timbers – would not have occurred without confidence in the manager. Chief executive Jim Gillespie, who oversaw the recruitment process, said McInnes was the "only one name that ticked all the boxes" when they approached him from Hearts in June.
McInnes has repeatedly stressed that the squad is still "young" and "inexperienced", but he also emphasised that new signings are intended to address those deficiencies. The club’s strategic plan appears to be focused on building depth and quality, rather than making knee‑jerk changes.
**The road ahead** In the short term, Rangers must regroup quickly. McInnes himself acknowledged that "huge improvements" are required, and he will be looking for a sharper performance against Aberdeen. The fixture list offers several opportunities to rebuild momentum: a trip to Falkirk, a home game against Motherwell, and the high‑stakes Old Firm clashes that will test any manager’s mettle. If the team can translate the investment in new players into on‑field cohesion, and if McInnes can restore confidence among his squad, there is a realistic chance of turning the season around.
Until then, the Ibrox faithful will be watching closely, weighing the merits of patience against the temptation of a swift managerial change.