Have expensively-assembled Rangers improved at all under McInnes?

WHAT HAPPENED
Rangers were eliminated from European competition after a poor display in Jablonec that the BBC report called "unspeakably awful." The club had one shot on target in the match and have scored one goal in 210 minutes across the tie. Supporters in the stadium voiced their anger at full-time, and manager Derek McInnes apologised, describing himself as "embarrassed and mortified" and saying his side were "miles off it."

The manager made multiple tactical changes during the game, altering the team’s shape repeatedly and bringing on three substitutes at half-time. He defended his tinkering by admitting his side are not functioning as a possession team, are not effective enough on the counter and do not look comfortable when playing direct.

KEY CONTEXT
- McInnes took charge in June and had a full pre-season; by the time of the Jablonec trip he had overseen six competitive matches and then had a week to prepare for the tie.
- The report contrasts Rangers’ struggles with Hearts under Wouter Vrancken, who fielded four new starters (and used two new players from the bench) to win their Conference League tie in Austria — an example of quicker integration of new personnel.
- Across his first seven games in charge, McInnes has made 11 half-time substitutions, a statistic the piece highlights as evidence of instability in selection and preparation.

WHY IT MATTERS
Rangers' exit and the manner of the performance have intensified scrutiny of McInnes’ early tenure. The defeat exposed a lack of cohesion, defensive bite and attacking threat, while persistent formation changes and frequent half-time alterations point to uncertainty about team identity and tactics. That combination has provoked strong supporter reaction and raises questions about whether the manager’s ideas have taken hold in the dressing room.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Immediate test: Rangers travel to Pittodrie on Sunday — the report suggests a victory there is crucial to calming tensions.
- Follow whether McInnes settles on a consistent shape and starting XI rather than continuing frequent mid-game and half-time overhauls.
- Watch for signs the squad can execute the manager’s stated aims (possession, counter-attacking effectiveness or playing direct) and whether performances show increasing cohesion.

KEY FACTS
- Rangers were knocked out in Jablonec and had one shot on target in that match.
- The team has scored one goal in 210 minutes across the tie.
- Derek McInnes apologised after the game and said his team were "miles off it."