Have expensively-assembled Rangers improved under McInnes?
BBC Sport explores whether Derek McInnes' Rangers have progressed since his appointment, specifically after a disappointing exit from European football.
By Tom English, BBC Scotland's chief sports writer
Published 6 hours ago
Where do you start? How do you describe the lackluster performance of Rangers in Jablonec, where they were reduced to a single shot on target over 210 minutes? Their manager, McInnes, expressed deep embarrassment and apologised multiple times.
The pre-match sentiment from some Rangers supporters was that the Conference League didn't matter, and their midweek European fixtures wouldn't significantly impact their domestic challenge. However, their anger after the defeat was palpable.
McInnes' attempts to explain his formation changes and strategic shifts fell on deaf ears as Rangers fans lashed out on social media. Winning at Pittodrie against Aberdeen is now a must to restore some faith in the team.
The Current State of Rangers:
- Identity Crisis: McInnes struggles to define Rangers' playing style, switching formations repeatedly without improvement.
- Lackluster Performance: Confused and weak, Rangers meandered through their match in the Czech Republic, failing to demonstrate any wit or tactical sharpness.
- Questioning Their Identity: "We're no' great as a possession-based team... We don't look like a team who are happy when we go direct," admitted McInnes.
The Challenge Ahead:
McInnes was given time and resources to rebuild, with a pre-season, six games, and a week's preparation for the Jablonec trip. Yet, Rangers delivered their worst performance of the season, raising concerns about their progress under his leadership.
Comparison with Previous Reign: During McInnes' initial months at Rangers, Russell Martin struggled to find areas of improvement. If McInnes' tenure is to succeed, he must urgently address these issues and rediscover the spirit that once characterized the team.