McInnes backs himself to turn Rangers around as window nears its close

Twelve new players in, a couple more hoped for, and a manager who knows the job is not done yet. Rangers manager Derek McInnes has acknowledged his team are "not quite there" after a start he admits has fallen short of what he wanted, but he is digging in for the fight. (BBC Sport)

McInnes, 54, took charge at Ibrox in June on a three-year deal after Danny Rohl left the club for Red Bull Salzburg. He arrived fresh from guiding Hearts to their record Scottish Premiership points total — a feat that convinced Rangers' board he was the man to restore the club's identity after a spell of what some perceived as project-coach appointments since Steven Gerrard's 2021 exit. (Reuters, Rangers.co.uk)

The early weeks have been bumpy. By early August, Rangers had gone three games without a win under McInnes, conceding five goals in that spell. (BBC Sport) A Europa League first-leg defeat earlier in the month saw McInnes criticise his side for "beating ourselves" by conceding cheap goals. (BBC Sport)

After a Thursday match, McInnes was blunt about the root problem: Rangers have not yet settled on a way of playing. He lamented his team's struggle to be either possession-based, counter-attacking or direct — a striking admission from a manager who, across previous jobs at Aberdeen, Hearts, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, says his teams have always had some sort of identity. (BBC Sport)

What McInnes wants is clear. He wants Rangers to press aggressively — closing down opponents high up the pitch, winning the loose "second balls" that bounce around in the chaos of a tackle, and turning the ball over quickly. He also wants more threat going forward, putting "more stress on teams defensively." He believes one or two further signings before the window shuts will help them "become something." (BBC Sport)

One piece of the puzzle has been missing through injury. McInnes singled out striker Youssef Chermiti, describing him as the type of forward who "goes and stretches teams" — pulling defenders out of position and creating space for others. Rangers have felt his absence. (BBC Sport)

McInnes has not hidden from the criticism. "At the minute, none of us are doing our job well," he said, before pushing back with the self-belief of a manager who has been around the block. "I'd like to think I know what I'm doing as a manager. I'm a good manager, I back myself." (Daily Record)

He also knows the history. He is not the first Rangers manager to get off to a tough start, and he said as much — while insisting he still believes the project will be a success. (BBC Sport)

For Rangers fans, the ingredients are there. Twelve new faces, including midfielder Cammy Devlin — who said the chance to reunite with McInnes was a real driver in his decision to move to Ibrox. (Rangers.co.uk) A manager who played for the club and called the role "everything I wanted." (Rangers.co.uk) A clear vision of how the team should play.

The transfer window is closing. McInnes still hopes for a couple more arrivals and expects one or two departures. What Rangers look like when the music stops — and whether they can find that elusive identity — will define the weeks ahead.