Rangers manager Derek McInnes emphasizes the importance of winning trophies to restore the club's domestic relevance and challenge Celtic's dominance
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has made it clear that winning silverware is the only way to bring relevance back to the club. With only three trophies in the past five years, Rangers have been overshadowed by their Old Firm rivals, Celtic.
McInnes, who experienced success as a player under Walter Smith is determined to replicate that achievement as a manager.
The pressure is on for McInnes and his team. They understand that failure to deliver trophies could mean the end of their tenure.
The upcoming match against Celtic presents a crucial opportunity for Rangers to take a step closer to securing a trophy and proving their mettle.
McInnes’ Focus on Domestic Success
McInnes has been vocal about the need for Rangers to be more relevant domestically.
The club has had sporadic cup wins and one league title in recent years, which is not enough to satisfy the expectations of the fans and the club’s own standards. McInnes acknowledges the responsibility that comes with managing a club of Rangers’ stature and the importance of delivering success.
“We need to be more relevant domestically as a club,” McInnes stated. “We haven’t been. We’ve had sporadic cup wins and one league title. For me, it’s something we have to try and grasp and work towards and not be daunted by.”
Preparing for the Old Firm Clash
The upcoming match against Celtic is a significant test for McInnes and his team. McInnes has been preparing his players for the possibility of the game going to a penalty shoot-out, given their recent experiences in cup competitions and the Conference League. He believes it is professional to practice penalties and be prepared for every eventuality.
“I think it’s important to keep an eye on it and in light of recent fixtures there’s been a lot of fine margins,” McInnes said. “We will set up and practice some penalties. Hopefully we’re good enough to win it in 90 minutes but I think you need to prepare for every eventuality.”
Engaging the Ibrox Crowd
McInnes is also focused on engaging the Ibrox crowd in the upcoming match. With no away fans allowed due to a ticket allocation spat, the support of the home fans will be crucial. McInnes wants the fans to bring energy and positivity to the game, making it as tough as possible for Celtic.
“I think we’ve got to bring the crowd with us,” McInnes said. “You’re not going to play Celtic and dominate the game for 90 minutes. We’ll have spells, they’ll have spells, it’s just the way it is. I think it’s important that we tap into having that 50,000 behind us.”
McInnes believes that the support of the crowd can make a significant difference in the game. He hopes that the fans will have the players’ backs and create a challenging environment for Celtic. This support, combined with strong performances from the team, can help Rangers take a step towards regaining domestic relevance.
In other news, Rangers defender John Souttar is reportedly in talks with Greek outfit Aris Thessaloniki. Souttar, who signed a new deal with Rangers until, has not featured under McInnes and has been made surplus to requirements at Ibrox. The Greek transfer window is set to close on Tuesday, and a move could be finalized in the next few days.
