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McInnes left frustrated amid Rangers' poor start to season
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McInnes left frustrated amid Rangers' poor start to season

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SokaLive

09 Aug 2026, 21:04

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Derek McInnes finds himself in an unfamiliar position after three consecutive matches without victory as Rangers' new manager. The Ibrox outfit suffered a painful 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian, a result that leaves McInnes winless in his opening fixtures following his appointment. The loss compounds frustration as Rangers have managed just one goal across their last two outings, with the team struggling to replicate the clinical finishing that characterized their recent domestic dominance. McInnes, who previously built a strong reputation during his time at Aberdeen, now faces the immediate challenge of arresting this disappointing start to what was expected to be a competitive campaign in the Scottish Premiership.

The timing of the setback against Hibernian proved particularly damaging when McInnes saw big-money striker Youssef Chermiti sustain an injury during the match. Chermiti arrived at Rangers as one of the club's marquee signings this season, brought in to bolster the attacking department after significant investment. The Tunisian forward had netted 22 goals in 51 appearances for his previous club Al Fayha, making his injury a significant blow to McInnes' offensive options. The manager now faces a selection crisis with limited attacking options available, forcing tactical adjustments when the team desperately needs consistency and goal-scoring prowess to climb the Scottish Premiership table following this poor opening sequence.

McInnes must quickly reverse this downward trajectory, knowing that three games without a win can establish dangerous momentum heading into the next set of fixtures. Rangers supporters expect silverware and European qualification, standards set during the club's previous managerial regime. The manager's next opportunity to secure points represents a critical moment in defining the direction of his tenure. With Hibernian, managed by experienced tactician Nick Montgomery, proving they possess quality defensive organization, Rangers must adapt their approach and rediscover the attacking verve necessary to compete for major honors this season.