Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Rangers Suffer First European Absence Since 2017
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has stated he firmly backs his ability to bring success to Ibrox despite a difficult start to the campaign that saw the club eliminated from European competition. Rangers were knocked out of the Conference League play-off round following a penalty shootout defeat to Czech side Jablonec on Thursday night, confirming they will miss out on European group-stage football for the first time since 2017.
The European exit compounds an already challenging opening phase domestically, with Rangers sitting five points adrift in the Scottish Premiership title race after only two league fixtures.
Accountability and Tactical Focus
Addressing the growing pressure, the 55-year-old manager emphasized collective responsibility across the squad and staff while maintaining confidence in his managerial record.
"I'm not the first Rangers manager to get off to a tough start, but we are determined to follow this job through and it's the end that counts," McInnes told Sky Sports News. "I'd like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager. I'm a good manager, I back myself. At the minute, none of us are doing our job well enough and it's up to us to try and share that responsibility to improve things."
McInnes acknowledged the broader sporting and financial ramifications of missing out on continental competition, noting that while the team "wasted an opportunity," the absence of European fixtures now narrows the squad's focus entirely toward domestic silverware.
Next Fixture: Pittodrie Trip Against Aberdeen
Rangers must regroup quickly as they return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday with an away trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
- Fixture: Aberdeen vs. Rangers
- Competition: Scottish Premiership
- Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports (Sunday from 11:00 AM)
- Context: McInnes highlighted that Rangers must be prepared for a tough test, acknowledging the club's recent difficulties at Pittodrie as they aim to cut their early five-point league deficit.