Rangers' season takes a turn for the worse as Youssef Chermiti is stretchered off and the team suffers a stoppage-time defeat.
Rangers’ start to the season has been far from ideal, and their latest match at Ibrox was no exception. The team suffered a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat, leaving manager Derek McInnes with a lot to think about. Adding to the frustration, striker Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off the pitch, just hours after the club rejected a substantial bid for his services.
The defeat at the hands of Hibernian has left Rangers trailing champions Celtic by five points after just two rounds of fixtures. The angst from the stands was palpable, reflecting the supporters’ frustration with the team’s performance. McInnes, who took over as manager just under two months ago, is well aware of the pressure he’s under to turn things around.
McInnes’ Determination Amidst Frustration
McInnes acknowledged the frustration from supporters, which stems from the club’s lack of success in recent years. He emphasized that the team is a product of that frustration and that everyone, including himself, wants to see Rangers winning.
Despite the poor start, McInnes remains optimistic and believes that the team will eventually find their stride.
“I’m not asking for more time,” said McInnes. “I understand the frustration. I share the frustration. It’s 15 years of frustration here at this club. Nobody knows that more than me.” He went on to say that the team needs to work hard and stick together in the dressing room to achieve better results.
Chermiti’s Injury and Transfer Speculation
The match took a worrying turn when Chermiti was taken off on a stretcher after a challenge with Hibs’ Josh Mulligan. This incident occurred just hours after Rangers rejected a bid in the region of £22 million from Galatasaray. The club has plans for Chermiti to be a key player this season, and his injury is a significant setback.
McInnes expressed disappointment for Chermiti, who was looking bright and running gaps before the injury. The extent of the injury will be determined by scans on Monday. Meanwhile, the club is still in the market for a right winger and has been linked with several players, including PSV’s Couhaib Driouech and AEK Athens’ Scottish left-back James Penrice.
The Road Ahead for Rangers
Despite the setbacks, McInnes remains focused on improving the team. He mentioned that there are ongoing conversations about potential signings, but nothing has been finalized yet. The manager is determined to give the supporters a winning team more often than not, and he believes that with hard work and a bit of luck, Rangers can turn their season around.
As the team looks to recover from this latest setback, all eyes will be on how they bounce back in their next match. The road ahead is challenging, but McInnes and his team are determined to overcome the obstacles and achieve success.
