adminDerek McInnes remains convinced that Rangers can still secure silverware this season despite their inconsistent opening to the campaign.
The Light Blues have already exited European competition after suffering defeats to Jagiellonia and Jablonec in the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers respectively.
On top of that, the Govan outfit drew and lost their first two Scottish Premiership fixtures.
However, they have since rediscovered their winning form, recording three consecutive league victories against Aberdeen, Falkirk and Motherwell.
Those results have lifted Rangers into fourth place in the table ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with third-placed St Mirren at Ibrox, followed by a Premier Sports Cup encounter at home against Celtic on Sunday.
Speaking before the St Mirren fixture and two successive Old Firm clashes with Celtic, Emmanuel Fernandez has offered an insight into the atmosphere within the Ibrox camp.
Emmanuel Fernandez reveals private Derek McInnes meeting
McInnes has made no attempt to hide his disappointment with Rangers’ opening to the 2026-27 season.
Fernandez has been equally frank about the situation.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, the Rangers defender acknowledged that his own displays could improve, while admitting the team’s performances also have room for development.
He has also explained that McInnes remains determined to challenge for trophies this season.
“I feel like the togetherness is getting better,” said the 24-year-old Nigeria international.
“And I feel like as a team, maybe our performances haven’t been better from the Aberdeen game, but we’ve grown as a team.
“We’re growing and I still think there’s more to come.
“Look, obviously we had a bad start not being in Europe. It was difficult.
The manager spoke to us and showed us that there’s still three trophies that are available to win.
“We have a domestic charge that we can still push for and be confident where we have the possibility of doing something great.
How the next two weeks can shape McInnes’ future and Rangers’ season
Despite guiding Rangers to three successive Scottish Premiership victories, pressure continues to surround McInnes.
That is something virtually every Rangers manager has to deal with.
Being eliminated from Europe before September, however, is especially disappointing and represents a significant financial blow that could take considerable time to overcome.
There are signs of improvement in the team’s recent results. The performances have not been outstanding, with the Gers only managing narrow victories, but the points are what matter.
St Mirren will provide a stern challenge on Wednesday given their strong beginning to the season, while the importance of the two Celtic encounters needs little explanation.
If Rangers lose both matches, they will certainly see one trophy slip away and could potentially lose their chance of claiming two.
Such a run could also bring a remarkably short spell in charge at Ibrox to an end for McInnes.
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