The early days of Derek McInnes' tenure at Rangers have been a stark reminder of the club's recent struggles, with a lack of progress and familiar issues haunting the team. It's a disappointing start for a manager who was expected to bring a fresh approach and turn things around.
A Troubling Start
McInnes, a highly regarded figure in Scottish football, has found himself in a familiar situation at Ibrox. Despite a promising summer transfer window, Rangers' performances have echoed the problems of the past. The defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League qualifier and the draw against Dundee United in the league highlight a team still searching for its identity.
The Soft Underbelly
One of the key issues that has plagued Rangers is their defensive fragility. McInnes himself acknowledged this, stating that the team "gave up too many chances" and had a "soft underbelly." This vulnerability has been a recurring theme, with lapses in concentration leading to easy goals for the opposition. Thelo Aasgaard's audacious spin and subsequent goal just minutes later is a perfect example of this.
Defensive Concerns
The central defensive partnership of Dujon Sterling and Emmanuel Fernandez has come under scrutiny. Former Rangers player Andy Halliday's comments about Fernandez's lack of basic defensive education are particularly damning. This raises questions about the club's ability to address these fundamental issues and whether McInnes has the right tools to implement his vision.
A Ray of Hope
Amidst the criticism, there were glimpses of promise. Findlay Curtis, on loan at Kilmarnock last season, made a significant impact when introduced at halftime. His fearless approach, taking on players and creating chances, was a breath of fresh air for a Rangers side lacking creativity. Steven Thompson and Andy Halliday both praised Curtis' performance, highlighting his ability to drive the team forward.
The Bigger Picture
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Curtis' impact and the struggles of the senior players. It raises questions about the club's recruitment strategy and player development. Are the right players being brought in, and are they being given the right guidance to succeed? These early setbacks could be a blessing in disguise, forcing the club to address these deeper issues.
Conclusion
While it's still early days, the challenges faced by McInnes are a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done. Personally, I think the focus should be on building a solid foundation, addressing the defensive issues, and giving players like Curtis the platform to thrive. It's a long road ahead, but with the right approach, Rangers can turn this around. The early setbacks provide an opportunity for growth and a chance to build something special.
