After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok led to a 3-2 aggregate defeat, Derek McInnes faces mounting pressure at Ibrox.
Rangers' European ambitions took an unexpected hit on Thursday as they crashed out of the Europa League third qualifying round. A 1-1 draw at home against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok resulted in a 3-2 aggregate loss, marking a deeply troubling start for new manager Derek McInnes.
Many home fans at Ibrox began to depart before the final whistle, a clear sign of growing discontent. This early exit plunges McInnes into a crisis just four games into his tenure, where he has already recorded the worst start for any Rangers manager, excluding caretakers.
The season is barely underway, yet questions are mounting about the team's performance, tactical decisions, and squad depth. The pressure on McInnes is now undeniable, as he confronts a demanding fanbase and the daunting task of identifying exactly what has gone wrong, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Football.
Derek McInnes' Challenging Rangers Start
Despite significant investment this summer, with nine new players joining the squad, McInnes candidly admitted his team isn't yet at the required level for European competition. “The club is built for the Champions League and Europa League, but I don't think the team is ready for it and it pains me to say it,” he stated.
The manager, who was brought in to improve on last season's third-place finish, acknowledged the need for more quality and confidence. He highlighted the team's inability to deliver a consistent 90-minute performance, suggesting a continuation of problems from the previous season.
McInnes conceded that the booing from fans at the end of the Jagiellonia match was “justified,” describing the second-half display as “not good enough.” He noted that the team's performance fluctuated wildly from "good highs in the first half to being as poor as we were in the second half."
Tactical Adjustments Under Scrutiny
A key point of contention has been McInnes' tactical decisions, particularly a second-half change against Jagiellonia. He substituted midfielder Thelo Aasgaard for full-back Ross McCrorie, altering the team's formation from a three-man to a four-man defense.
McInnes explained that Aasgaard was “not getting involved enough” and hoped the change would enable wingers to become “more involved higher up the pitch.” However, former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday offered a different perspective on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
Halliday argued that while McInnes' reasoning “makes sense,” the tactical shift “didn't work.” He believed wingers Djeidi Gassama and Daisuke Yokota had been effective in the first half, and the team subsequently “lost all control without that extra body in midfield.”
Squad Imbalance and Striker Concerns
Rangers' problems are compounded by a significant injury to striker Youssef Chermiti, who is now out for a “significant period” with a long-term knee injury. This setback came shortly after the club rejected a substantial bid for the 22-year-old, forcing them to re-evaluate their recruitment plans for a new forward.
The club is actively working to bring in new talent, with PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech expected to be the latest arrival. Yet, Halliday voiced concerns about the squad's current imbalance “this late into the transfer window,” suggesting the team still needs “three centre-halves, one left-back, two, arguably, three wingers.”
Expectations were high for captain Lawrence Shankland, reunited with McInnes after their successful partnership at Hearts. However, former Rangers striker Steven Thompson believes Shankland is struggling under the “weight of playing for Rangers,” citing the “mental” pressure rather than physical issues for his misfiring form. Halliday even called for the unconventional return of former captain James Tavernier, a free agent, to address a perceived lack of leadership and issues at right-back.
Mounting Fan Frustration at Ibrox
The Europa League exit has ignited a strong reaction from the Rangers fanbase, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration. The sentiment is mixed, but calls for McInnes' departure are already emerging.
Simon, a fan, expressed a desire to give the manager time but concluded, “I'd cut my losses and get rid of McInnes now.” Alan echoed this, stating, “No more excuses. McInnes is proving that he is not up to the job.” Other supporters, like Jonny, urged calm, asking for McInnes to be given more time to sort out the squad.
Kris questioned if McInnes has had a single match where his side wasn't booed off, while Alex ominously predicted “another trophyless season ahead.” Kevin drew comparisons to the struggles under a previous manager, declaring, “Rangers look as bad as they did under Mark Warburton in the Championship.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rangers exit the Europa League?
Rangers were eliminated from the Europa League third qualifying round after a 1-1 home draw against Jagiellonia Bialystok, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate defeat to the Polish side.
How has Derek McInnes performed as Rangers manager so far?
Derek McInnes has made the worst start of any Rangers manager, excluding caretakers, having failed to secure a victory in his first four competitive matches and overseeing an early European exit.
What are Derek McInnes' main concerns about the Rangers squad?
McInnes believes the Rangers team, despite recent investment, lacks the necessary quality and confidence for European competition. He specifically cited issues with delivering consistent 90-minute performances.
What is the latest on Rangers' transfer window activity?
Rangers are reportedly close to signing winger Couhaib Driouech from PSV Eindhoven. The club is also actively seeking a new striker following Youssef Chermiti's long-term knee injury and a rejected bid for the player.
Why is Lawrence Shankland's form a concern for Rangers?
Lawrence Shankland, the new Rangers captain, is reportedly struggling under the immense mental pressure of playing for the club and meeting high expectations, according to former striker Steven Thompson.