Derek McInnes covered himself in so much glory at his unveiling, aside from one comment Ibrox Noise has already discussed. Unfortunately, he came badly undone in Poland. His media appearances and press interviews already suggest that he is already struggling big time.
McInnes defended an appalling selection
One particular comment after the match in Poland summed up how out of his depth McInnes may already be.
When discussing his team selection, which we all know was absolutely appalling, McInnes offered a remarkable justification. He said something which would have Walter Smith spinning in his grave.
He explained that he did not want to throw everything he had at Białystok. Furthermore, he arrogantly announced that Rangers would win the next leg.
“I know it’s a two legged thing and we don’t go and throw the kitchen sink at it because we know we can win the game next week at Ibrox.”
This is where everything is already unravelling with this manager.
You always throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at your opponent. The only exception might be a first round Scottish Cup match hosting Berwick. And even then!
However, you never arrogantly claim that you will win the next leg without any bother.
Rangers fielded a fringe XI
McInnes justified his atrocious XI by essentially saying he selected a fringe Rangers team. He fielded that side against strong opposition in the Europa League third qualifying round.
If that is true and this was his chosen XI, it represents an appalling justification. We will not tolerate it.
No Rangers fan can tolerate a manager willingly confirming that he did not select his best team for an important match.
Yes, saving players for the next leg or the weekend’s match might have some merit. However, these are professional footballers. They can play a plethora of football at this point.
Hamstringing yourself by selecting a weak team for the first leg represents abysmal management. It is as simple as that.
We hope this came from influence upstairs. Otherwise, McInnes made an incredibly ridiculous decision.
Rangers cannot assume any victory
His statement that Rangers can or will win the next leg made the situation even worse. Using that claim to justify his decision represents arrogance 101.
Rangers cannot assume they will win the next leg. Put simply, no evidence suggests Rangers can win any match at the moment.
Sadly, including the friendlies, McInnes is statistically Rangers’ new worst ever manager on a pro rata basis. 4 wins of 9.
Rangers appointed the right man as far as Ibrox Noise was concerned. However, things are unravelling very, very quickly.
The season has started in an absolutely ghastly manner.
McInnes appears out of his depth
We are aware that the “give him a chance, FFS” brigade will be very much out. In all fairness, we are not entirely outside that group ourselves.
However, we will always call a spade a spade.
If McInnes was responsible for that selection, his decision shows he is already out of his depth. He is making all the same mistakes as every predecessor.
That is, of course, if he is responsible for these decisions.
You never select a weak team and simply assume you will win the second leg. It is atrocious management.
The fact that he actually said this shows his media performances have already started to unravel. Unfortunately, the performances on the pitch have not even started, never mind unravelled.
Things are not the best at Rangers right now. The start of the season could barely have been any worse.