Derek McInnes has made it clear that he still believes he possesses the qualities needed to guide Rangers back to success, even as the pressure mounts after the club’s recent European disappointment. The Ibrox side suffered a heart‑breaking defeat in the Conference League play‑off against Czech side Jablonec, bowing out on penalties on Thursday night. That loss means Rangers will not be competing in European competition for the first time since 2017, a setback that has intensified scrutiny on the manager and his squad. The disappointment in Europe comes on top of a shaky start in the domestic campaign.
After just two league fixtures, Rangers find themselves five points adrift in the Scottish Premiership title race, an uncharacteristic position for a club of their stature. Despite the early setbacks, McInnes insists that the season is far from over and that both he and his players have the resolve to reverse their fortunes.
"I'm not the first Rangers manager to have a rough opening spell, but we are determined to see this job through because, in the end, that's what truly matters," McInnes told Sky Sports News. He emphasized that confidence in his own abilities remains high. "I still think we can achieve success here, but we also need to rally the supporters and get them fully behind the team. I like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager.
I'm a good manager, I back myself," he added, reinforcing his self‑belief. The manager also addressed the broader responsibilities of the club. "At the moment, none of us are performing at the level we expect, and it's up to each of us to share the burden and work harder to improve," McInnes said.
He hinted that the playing group might need a little extra encouragement, but he also stressed that the onus is on the players to elevate their performances. "I think the squad could use a bit of support right now, but we all have to put in that extra effort to find it," he explained. 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 acknowledged the missed opportunity in Europe, describing the loss as a squandered chance to reach the group stage. "I feel we wasted an opportunity to qualify for the group stages," the 55‑year‑old manager said, before quickly shifting his focus to the upcoming domestic fixture. "We can't dwell on it now; it's done. I know football – you have to be ready to move on, and we have a huge game on Sunday." He also reflected on Rangers’ recent record at Aberdeen’s home ground, noting that the team has not fared particularly well there in recent seasons.
"We haven't got the best recent record at Pittodrie, so we need to be prepared for that," McInnes warned, underscoring the importance of mental readiness and tactical preparation. Beyond the immediate disappointment, McInnes highlighted the broader significance of European football for Rangers.
"European competition is crucial for the club, not only for the financial benefits but also for the prestige it brings. We're all disappointed and gutted that we won't be competing longer in Europe," he said, acknowledging the emotional and economic impact of the early exit. Nevertheless, the manager made it clear that the club’s primary focus will now be on domestic success. "Our full attention is on Aberdeen, and from now on the season will be about performing here in Scotland.
I believe we need to become a club that returns to winning trophies at home," McInnes asserted. He reminded fans that his original promise when he took the helm was to bring domestic silverware back to Ibrox. "When I first arrived, I said that, and perhaps concentrating on domestic competitions now gives us a better chance of achieving that goal," he concluded. In summary, Derek McInnes remains steadfast in his belief that he can steer Rangers back onto a winning trajectory.
While acknowledging the setbacks in Europe and the early league lag, he emphasizes self‑confidence, the need for collective effort, and a renewed focus on domestic objectives. The upcoming match against Aberdeen will serve as an early test of whether his message resonates with the players and whether the team can begin to close the gap in the Premiership race. The manager’s optimism, combined with a call for greater supporter engagement, sets the tone for what he hopes will be a turnaround in fortunes for the Glasgow giants.