Old habits haunt Rangers in early McInnes tenure

What the report says

Derek McInnes is still searching for his first win as Rangers manager after his side lost 2-1 away to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the first leg of their Europa League third-round qualifying tie in Poland, following a goalless draw at Dundee United in their Scottish Premiership opener. BBC Sport Football reported that McInnes said Rangers were “guilty of beating ourselves,” pointing to mistakes and costly goals as a familiar problem from last season.

The defeat revived concerns about Rangers’ defensive fragility and slow start under a new boss who had been expected to provide a fresh beginning at Ibrox. The article noted that the team has added nine signings this summer, with more still possible, but said last season’s poor form is still hanging over the club. McInnes, who previously managed Hearts, said Rangers had given their opponents too many chances and needed to become much harder to score against.

There was a more encouraging second-half response after a triple substitution at the break, with Findlay Curtis singled out for an energetic display. The 20-year-old winger, who impressed on loan at Kilmarnock last season, hit the post late on and nearly equalised. BBC Sport Football’s analysis suggested his direct running and willingness to take on defenders were among the few bright spots for Rangers, who still face a difficult task to turn the tie around.