McInnes backs himself to deliver Rangers success
August 28, 2026 22:29
Derek McInnes acknowledged Rangers are not yet the team he envisages after the side were eliminated from European competition and have made a sluggish start domestically. The 55‑year‑old’s side went out of the Conference League play‑offs on penalties to Jablonec and have only one point from their first two Scottish Premiership fixtures.
McInnes nonetheless expressed confidence in his own ability to turn things around, saying he backs himself to deliver success at Ibrox while admitting the squad is "a long way away" from his desired level and that uncertainty around transfers is affecting the group.
KEY CONTEXT
- Rangers have progressed in the Scottish League Cup and are set to host Celtic in the quarter‑finals next month.
- The club has already signed 12 players this window; McInnes said he hopes to add "a couple more" and expects "one or two" players to leave before the transfer window closes next week.
- Youssef Chermiti is absent through injury; McInnes identified his profile as the kind of striker who would stretch opponents.
- McInnes has previously managed Aberdeen, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.
WHY IT MATTERS
McInnes pinpoints a lack of coherent team identity — neither clearly possession‑based, counter‑attacking nor direct — and believes recruitment and settling the squad will be key to changing that. He wants a side capable of an aggressive, full press that wins second balls and imposes itself; until the squad is more settled he fears the team cannot do that consistently. The early European exit and slow league start increase pressure to resolve those issues quickly.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Rangers complete the "one or two" further signings McInnes expects before the transfer window shuts.
- If any players depart as anticipated before the deadline.
- Sunday's trip to Aberdeen and how the team performs tactically while McInnes works to establish a clearer identity.
- How the squad manages the League Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox against Celtic next month.
KEY FACTS
- McInnes is 55 years old.
- Rangers were eliminated from the Conference League play‑offs on penalties by Jablonec.
- Team record under McInnes so far: two wins, two draws and three defeats (as captioned).
- Rangers have one point from their opening two Scottish Premiership matches.
- The club has signed 12 players this window; McInnes hopes for a couple more arrivals and anticipates one or two departures.
- Youssef Chermiti is injured and unavailable.