Derek McInnes says Rangers are built for Europe, but he does not think the team is ready for it yet. The manager also said the second half was not good enough after the defeat to Jagiellonia, which leaves Rangers in a Conference League play-off against Czech side Jablonec.
McInnes's warning on Europe
McInnes did not try to smooth it over. Speaking to the BBC, he said: "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 followed that by defending the crowd's reaction, adding: "I think it was justified, to be honest. What we served up in the second half was not good enough."
That is a heavy line for a manager to put on his own squad, especially this early in the season. Rangers have already made nine squad additions this summer, yet the team still looks short of rhythm and balance. Their last five results read D L L D W, and they are 11th in the current Premiership standings.
The injury picture adds to the concern. Youssef Chermiti, 22, has been ruled out by a long-term knee injury after Rangers rejected a big-money bid for him.
The change that cost control
Andy Halliday pointed to the tactical switch as the moment Rangers lost grip. McInnes said he changed shape by replacing Thelo Aasgaard with Ross McCrorie and moving from three at the back to four.
Halliday, speaking to the BBC, said: "The reasoning makes sense, but it didn't work, it's as simple as that. They lost all control without that extra body in midfield."
That view fits the game state Rangers ended up in. The tie with Jagiellonia finished 1-1 over two legs, but the defeat still sent Rangers into a Conference League play-off rather than the place they wanted to be. Last season's European record also hangs over the discussion, with Rangers finishing 1-1-6 in the Europa League.
The balance of the squad is still a live issue too. Halliday said Rangers need three centre-halves, one left-back and at least two wingers. That sounds harsh, but after nine summer additions and a long injury list, it is hard to dismiss.
McInnes has not hidden the problem, and the next test is a Conference League play-off against Jablonec.
FAQ
Why are Rangers being criticised after the defeat to Jagiellonia?
Derek McInnes said the squad is not ready for Europe and called the second half not good enough. Andy Halliday also argued Rangers lost control after the switch from three at the back to a four-man defence, while Steven Thompson said the pressure of playing for Rangers is affecting the situation mentally.
Are Rangers out of Europe after losing to Jagiellonia?
No. The defeat leaves Rangers in a Conference League play-off against Czech side Jablonec. The tie with Jagiellonia finished level over two legs, but the route forward is still there.
How many changes have Rangers already made this summer?
Rangers have already made nine squad additions this summer. Youssef Chermiti, 22, is also ruled out by a long-term knee injury after the club rejected a big-money bid for him.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
