Rangers manager Derek McInnes has stressed the need for a major improvement from his squad if they are to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League group stage. A solitary goal from Ryan Naderi in the first leg of their play-off tie against Jablonec at Ibrox provided Rangers with a narrow 1-0 lead on Thursday night.
Despite the win, McInnes expressed disappointment with his team's performance, particularly in the first half. "I was disappointed with a lot of the first half," McInnes stated. "We didn't have any real impetus or concerted pressure, so I wasn't happy with it. We needed to bring a bit more intelligence but also be a bit more enthusiastic with some of our tempo and move the ball quicker."
The team was further disrupted when substitute Cammy Devlin received a straight red card for a reckless high tackle approximately 15 minutes before full-time. McInnes acknowledged the decision, noting that while the tackle looked worse than intended, it was a red card offense.
"It was a red card, there's no debate," McInnes conceded. "I think it looks a hell of a lot worse than it actually was. When you see the stills of it, it looks like a red card all day long."
Rangers were far from convincing throughout the match, and the tie remains in the balance as they prepare for the second leg in the Czech Republic next week. McInnes highlighted missed opportunities, such as a chance for Djeidi Gassama to extend the lead.
"The positives are a clean sheet, another win, another goal for Ryan Naderi and we've got something to take to the Czech Republic," McInnes added. "In the bigger picture, we've still got a lot of work to do. But, in the meantime, it's important we win games."
He emphasized the need for more composure and poise from his players, stating, "I just want us to be better to be honest. I think we have to be better. Normally in Europe, you don't get through a European tie if you only play well with one leg."
On the transfer front, Rangers are reportedly close to an £8.5 million deal to sign South Korean winger Kim Min-Su from La Liga side Girona. McInnes hopes the club can finalize more transfer targets, particularly in forward areas, to add pace, quality, and invention.
"We'll pick up on that straight after the game, with everybody involved," McInnes said regarding transfers. "We're trying in a few different areas to get the right players in, players with the right quality. I'm quite hopeful we can do one in the next few days. We're working extremely hard."
With no domestic fixture this weekend, McInnes aims to use the time to integrate new signings and prepare for the demanding second leg, seeking a stronger performance to ensure progression in the competition.
