The Rangers' season is off to a rocky start, and manager Derek McInnes is left frustrated by his team's poor performance. After a disappointing Europa League qualifying loss in Poland, McInnes called for a more defensive mindset, criticizing the squad for repeating the same mistakes that plagued them last season. The team's struggles continued against Hibs on Sunday, with a back four that struggled to hold their shape and a penalty awarded against them, leading to a harsh defeat.
The issue of consistency in playing partners is a major concern, with McInnes' side showing little improvement since their European trip. This inconsistency is mirrored in their form on the pitch, with a lack of results and a struggle to create opportunities. The manager's challenge is to turn this around quickly, especially with their Europa League qualification on the line.
McInnes' side has been hard to beat in the past, but this early iteration of his Rangers squad is the opposite. The team's poor performance has led to a frustrating start to the season, with McInnes losing more home league games in charge of Rangers than he did in his entire time at Tynecastle. This has raised concerns about the team's ability to perform consistently and bring results.
The manager's response to the team's struggles is to focus on the process and improve their defensive mindset. He believes that the team needs to dust themselves off and respond positively, showing a terrific performance in the latter part of the game. However, the pressure is on McInnes to turn this around quickly, especially with the team's inconsistent form and the need to pick up results.
The team's selection issues and lack of consistency are a major concern, with McInnes acknowledging the need for time for the new players to gel. The manager's priority is to further bolster the squad, with a focus on additional defenders and a winger, as he looks to address the team's weaknesses and improve their performance.
In conclusion, the Rangers' season is at a critical juncture, with McInnes facing the challenge of turning around the team's poor performance and inconsistent form. The manager's focus on improving the team's defensive mindset and addressing their weaknesses is a positive step, but the pressure is on to deliver results and improve their performance.