Derek McInnes left frustrated amid Rangers' poor start to season
Rangers are yet to register a win in their last nine days, conceding five goals as Derek McInnes struggles to find early form.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Rangers remain winless and have conceded 5 goals across 3 games in 9 days
- Manager Derek McInnes has fielded a different back four in every match
- McInnes has already lost more home league games than during his Tynecastle spell
Nine days, three matches, zero victories and five conceded goals mark a turbulent beginning for Rangers under the management of Derek McInnes. Dundee United, Jagiellonia Bialystok and most recently Hibernian have all managed to secure first-half leads against the Ibrox side as they continue struggling to establish any recognizable form during this rocky opening phase of the campaign.
Issues remain evident across the entire pitch, stretching from profligacy in front of goal to an inability in breaking down well-organised defenses, while their persistent defensive frailties are rapidly turning into a major source of anxiety. McInnes' squad displayed very few indicators of turning their fortunes around in the brief turnaround since returning from their European excursion.
During Sunday afternoon's fixture against Hibs, the manager's third distinct back four of the season struggled to maintain defensive shape, culminating in summer acquisition Vanja Dragojevic hauling Josh Kerr to the canvas to concede a penalty. These recurring errors, combined with a stark lack of continuity in defensive partnerships, continue compounding their misery with lineups featuring:
- Against Dundee United: Ben Godfrey, Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Tuur Rommens
- Away in Poland: Ross McCrorie, Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Rommens
- Against David Gray's side: Dragojevic, Olwethu Makhanya, Fernandez, Rommens
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Constant rotations in the defensive line introduce massive structural risks in professional football, as center-back partnerships rely heavily on synchronized positioning and non-verbal communication built over consistent playing time. Forcing changes game after game robs the backline of stability, creating glaring gaps that opponents can easily exploit. McInnes urgently needs to iron out these defensive wrinkles before looming European fixtures complicate their season further.
Such selection inconsistency is directly mirrored in their on-field performances. The 55-year-old manager has already suffered more home league defeats in charge of Rangers than he accumulated during his entire tenure at Tynecastle, while forward Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off on the exact day reports emerged that Rangers rejected a lucrative bid for his services.
"What we've got to do now is just dust ourselves down because that was a blow for us. The response of the team in the latter part of the game was terrific."
Derek McInnes
Former Ibrox midfielder Ryan Jack highlighted the mounting pressure, noting that for Rangers to play their first home league match under McInnes, score solely via a Hibs own goal, and fail to generate significant chances with two strikers on the pitch is bound to cause frustration. With nine signings already secured, McInnes remains keen on bolstering his squad further despite ongoing complications regarding player futures.
Source: BBC Sport
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