Derek McInnes Backs Rangers Recovery After European Exit

Derek McInnes has backed himself to deliver success at Rangers despite acknowledging that his team remains a long way from his intended standard. BBC Sport reported that the 55-year-old made the assessment after Rangers suffered their second European elimination of the season, losing a Conference League play-off against Czech club Jablonec on penalties.

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The early results have left McInnes with two wins, two draws and three defeats since becoming Rangers manager. His side has advanced in the Scottish League Cup and will host Celtic in next month’s quarter-final, but the Premiership campaign has opened with only one point from two matches. Rangers are due to visit Aberdeen on Sunday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, McInnes said he believes in his own ability as a manager while accepting that neither he nor the team is currently performing well enough. He described the squad as working hard but said uncertainty around the transfer window has complicated the situation. He expects the environment to become calmer once the window closes.

Rangers have already recruited 12 players, and McInnes said he hopes to add another couple before next week’s deadline. He also expects one or two departures. The manager identified injured striker Youssef Chermiti as a significant absence, saying the forward offers the ability to stretch opposing teams.

The more immediate concern is the lack of a clear playing identity. Following the loss to Jablonec, McInnes said Rangers had struggled to establish themselves as a possession team, a counter-attacking side or a direct team. He wants his players to place opponents under greater defensive pressure while becoming more relaxed and assured when they have the ball.

McInnes also outlined his demand for a more committed full press, with aggression supported by winning duels, collecting second balls and forcing turnovers. He stressed that the squad contains talented players, but believes another one or two additions could help it develop into a more coherent unit. Although he conceded that the start has fallen short of expectations, he said Rangers remain determined to follow the work through and that he still expects the project to succeed.