The short version
- Lawrence Shankland’s second-half penalty secured Derek McInnes’ first Scottish Premiership victory as Rangers manager, easing immediate pressure following European elimination.
- While McInnes praised the team's competitive spirit and the debut of new signing Kim Min-su, analysts described the performance as unconvincing and lacking creativity.
- Uncertainty remains regarding midfielder Nicolas Raskin’s future and the club’s ability to finalize a striker replacement for the injured Youssef Chermiti before their next match.
Derek McInnes has recorded his first Scottish Premiership victory as Rangers manager, guiding the team to a narrow win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie. The result arrives at a critical juncture for the Ibrox club, which had endured a difficult run of form prior to this fixture. With only two wins in seven matches and an early exit from European competition before the end of August, McInnes faced intensifying scrutiny regarding his tenure. The victory, secured by Lawrence Shankland’s second-half penalty, provides immediate respite for the manager who once spent eight years leading Aberdeen.
Despite the unconvincing nature of the display, McInnes expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the team's attitude. He noted that while the performance lacked sparkle, it reflected the competitive spirit he desires from his squad. The manager emphasized that securing three points was the primary objective following the humiliating Conference League qualifying defeat to Jablonec. McInnes suggested that this hard-fought result could lay the groundwork for a more successful period, highlighting the importance of small steps in both performance and point accumulation.
Pundits offered mixed reactions to the victory. Chris Sutton characterized the showing as bitty but acknowledged it might serve as a turning point for McInnes. Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd echoed the sentiment that securing the result was paramount, advising against getting carried away with the quality of play. Boyd stressed that in a challenging environment like Pittodrie, obtaining the three points was the most significant achievement, regardless of aesthetic shortcomings.
Individual performances provided some bright spots amidst the broader tactical struggles. McInnes singled out Kim Min-su, the 20-year-old South Korean midfielder who made his debut after just one training session with the squad. The new signing, acquired for a reported fee of £8.5 million, impressed alongside Djeidi Gassama as one of the more effective attacking players. McInnes highlighted Kim’s arrival as bringing a necessary dose of quality to the team, despite the patience required to finalize the transfer.
However, questions regarding the club's recruitment strategy and squad management persist. Kris Boyd criticized the decision not to field Nicolas Raskin, arguing that the Belgian midfielder remains the best option in his position by a significant margin. Boyd pointed out that Rangers possess an unsustainable number of players and need to offload several individuals before the transfer window closes. He also noted a lack of creativity in midfield, suggesting that areas beyond the forward line require strengthening.
The absence of Raskin continues to draw attention amid speculation about his future at the club. McInnes confirmed that no offers have been received for the midfielder, leaving his status uncertain. This situation complicates the manager's ability to field his strongest possible lineup, particularly as the team seeks to improve its consistency in league play. The debate over Raskin’s inclusion underscores broader concerns about squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Further uncertainty surrounds the forward line, where Youssef Chermiti is sidelined with a long-term injury. McInnes indicated that the club is actively seeking a replacement striker and is close to finalizing a deal. While he declined to name specific targets, reports have linked Rangers with Portland Timbers’ Kevin Kelsy. The manager emphasized the need to react quickly to Chermiti’s absence, aiming to secure a new signing before the upcoming away fixture against Falkirk.
Looking ahead, McInnes remains focused on incremental improvement rather than immediate transformation. He referenced last season’s title race, where Rangers recovered from a significant deficit, as evidence that early struggles do not necessarily dictate final standings. The manager acknowledged that the start to the campaign has not met expectations but believes the recent win will benefit the players’ confidence. As the team prepares for their next match, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum and addressing the structural issues identified by analysts.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Is 'bitty' Pittodrie win turning point for McInnes and Rangers?
