Rangers have now been eliminated from all European competition, leaving them five points adrift of league leaders Celtic even before September has fully arrived. The early-season disappointment has amplified the scrutiny on both the playing group and head coach Derek McInnes at Ibrox.
McInnes' next assignment is a trip to Pittodrie on Sunday, where his revamped side will take on his former club Aberdeen in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports. The central question is whether McInnes can spark a response from a group of players he himself admits are struggling, and what underlying issues are hampering the club's performance. **How did the team react?** After the 0‑0 draw with Jablonec, McInnes described his feelings as "mortified" and "embarrassed" – emotions that are easy to understand given the statistics. The visitors managed just one shot on target in 120 minutes, held less possession than the Czech side, and appeared bereft of attacking ideas while lacking confidence defensively.
Jablonec, a club that finished fifth in the Czech First League last season, managed to keep Rangers at bay, prompting Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd to label the performance an "all‑time low" for the Glasgow outfit. McInnes took full responsibility, conceding that his players were "miles short" of the standard required for European competition. The reality is that Rangers will not feature in any European group‑stage fixtures this campaign – a situation not seen since 2017. **Who bears the blame?** Some supporters will point fingers at the manager, others at the squad, but the truth is that the defeat was a collective failure.
After winning the first leg 1‑0, Rangers enjoyed a clear week to prepare, even requesting a postponement of their league match against St Mirren. 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 tweaks, including alterations to shape and personnel, failed to produce any meaningful impact. Post‑match, McInnes admitted his side looked uncomfortable on the ball, ineffective on the counter‑attack, and uneasy when forced to play a direct style.
Boyd interpreted the frequent changes as a sign that McInnes lacks trust in certain players, which in turn has eroded their confidence. **How poor has the start really been?** Every season presents its own challenges, but a quick comparison with recent predecessors highlights the difficulty. Russell Martin began the previous season with three wins and one loss in his first seven games before being dismissed after a further ten matches. Danny Röhl, who replaced Martin in October, recorded four wins and three defeats over an identical span before departing for RB Salzburg.
McInnes, who took over in the summer, has fared worse: two victories and three defeats in his first seven outings. **Is a calm approach or a radical change required?** Historically, a poor start can quickly test the patience of Ibrox supporters.
Some fans are already calling for a change, while others argue that constant managerial turnover – seven permanent bosses in less than five years – is unsustainable and that stability is needed to rebuild. The issue may extend beyond the dugout, prompting the board to give McInnes more time. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and the American consortium that now own the club have repeatedly spoken of "sustained winning and winning sustainably".
Yet, at a recent shareholders' meeting, Cavenagh admitted that finishing second – or lower – was beginning to permeate every corner of the organisation. Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership for 14 of the last 15 seasons, and Rangers finished third last term, even behind a Hearts side managed by McInnes himself. Behind the scenes, Ibrox has undergone significant restructuring: a new chief executive, revised recruitment policies, and a fresh managerial appointment.
Cavenagh recently acknowledged that the start to the season is not what he envisioned, but he also expressed greater optimism now than a year ago. This suggests that a period of calm may be the preferred short‑term strategy. **Will the board continue to back McInnes?** All signs point to continued support.
The club would not have approved the summer's substantial spending spree – twelve new signings, with a £9.2 million deal for striker Kevin Kelsy pending – if the owners lacked confidence in the manager. Chief executive Jim Gillespie, who led the recruitment process, said McInnes was the "only one name that ticked all the boxes" when they lured him from Hearts in June. McInnes has repeatedly stressed the need for "huge improvements" and highlighted that the squad still looks "young" and "inexperienced". He noted that further signings are intended to address those shortcomings, reinforcing the club's longer‑term planning.
**What lies ahead for Rangers?** The fixture list offers a quick succession of opportunities to rebound. After Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday, the team travels to Falkirk on Wednesday, then hosts Motherwell at Ibrox the following Saturday – all matches televised on Sky Sports. The international break will be followed by two Old Firm encounters: a League Cup tie at Ibrox on 13 September and a Premiership clash at Celtic Park a week later, both also on Sky Sports.
In summary, while the early season setbacks have been stark, the combination of board backing, a clear recruitment strategy, and a packed schedule of competitive fixtures provides Rangers with a realistic chance to turn the tide. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether McInnes can restore confidence, deliver results, and set the club back on a path toward the sustained success that its owners and fans expect.