What's going wrong for Rangers and McInnes?

What the report says

Rangers’ difficult start under new manager Derek McInnes has deepened after a Europa League qualifying defeat by Jagiellonia Bialystok, leaving the Scottish club in the Conference League play-off round. BBC Sport reports that McInnes has now recorded the worst opening run of any Rangers manager apart from caretakers, and the result has renewed scrutiny on the team’s form, recruitment and leadership at Ibrox.

McInnes said the squad is not yet ready for the demands of European competition, despite heavy summer spending and multiple new signings. He also argued that Rangers still need more quality and confidence after a poor second half against Jagiellonia, while fans were heard booing the team off. The article says the loss continued a broader concern about Rangers’ inability to sustain a full 90-minute performance.

There were questions too about McInnes’ tactical changes after the interval, when he altered the formation and withdrew a midfielder for a defender. Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, felt the shift cost control in midfield even if the logic was understandable.

The defeat came as striker Youssef Chermiti was ruled out for a significant period with a knee injury, adding to Rangers’ need for attacking reinforcements. The BBC piece also notes pressure on captain Lawrence Shankland, while Halliday suggested Rangers may need more defensive leadership and even raised the idea of bringing back former captain James Tavernier.