Derek McInnes insists he possesses the qualities needed to steer Rangers back onto a winning trajectory, even as early-season pressure mounts following a disappointing exit from European competition. The Ibrox club suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Conference League play‑off against Czech side Jablonec, losing on penalties on Thursday night. That loss means Rangers will miss out on continental football for the first time since 2017, a blow both financially and reputationally. Despite the setback and a sluggish start in the Scottish Premiership – where they sit five points adrift of the league leaders after just two matches – McInnes remains resolute, affirming his belief in his own managerial abilities and the squad’s capacity to turn the season around.
"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," McInnes told Sky Sports News. He emphasized that early difficulties are not unusual and that perseverance is essential. "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," he added, highlighting the importance of fan engagement in rebuilding momentum.
The 55‑year‑old manager also stressed his confidence in his own expertise. "I'd like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager. I'm a good manager, I back myself," he said, underscoring a self‑assured approach that he hopes will inspire his players.
McInnes acknowledged that the team’s current performances have fallen short of expectations. "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 admitted, pointing to a collective need for higher standards.
He also noted that the players require a measure of support and encouragement. "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," McInnes explained, suggesting that morale-boosting measures, combined with increased effort, could spark a turnaround. Rangers' next challenge arrives on Sunday, when they travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen in a Premiership fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McInnes reflected on the missed opportunity to reach the Conference League group stages, describing it as a squandered chance.
"I just feel as though we've wasted an opportunity to qualify for the group stages," he said, before quickly shifting focus to the upcoming domestic match. "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 reminded his audience that Rangers have historically struggled at Aberdeen's ground, Pittodrie, and that preparation will be key.
"We've not got the best record recently at Pittodrie, so we have to be ready for that one," McInnes warned, indicating that the team must address both tactical and psychological aspects to secure a positive result. The manager also spoke about the broader significance of European competition for the club. "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," he lamented. He recognized that the loss will affect revenue streams, sponsorship appeal, and the club's international profile, all of which have long‑term implications.
Nevertheless, McInnes insisted that the club's immediate priority must be domestic success. "But 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," he declared. He reiterated a promise he made upon his appointment: to prioritize Scottish titles and cup victories. "When I first came in, I said that and maybe just concentrating on us domestically now gives us a better chance of that," he concluded, suggesting that a singular focus on the league and domestic cups could restore Rangers to their traditional position at the top of Scottish football.
In summary, Derek McInnes is unapologetically confident in his managerial competence and his belief that the squad can rebound from early setbacks. He acknowledges the disappointment of missing out on European competition, the financial and prestige losses that accompany it, and the need for stronger performances both on and off the pitch. Yet, he stresses that the path forward lies in rallying the supporters, bolstering player confidence, and delivering results in the Premiership.
The upcoming clash with Aberdeen will serve as an early litmus test for whether McInnes's self‑belief can translate into tangible improvement on the field, and whether Rangers can begin to close the gap in the title race while laying the groundwork for future domestic triumphs.