Rangers Manager Criticizes Extended International Break Format

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has voiced his disapproval of the newly implemented extended international break, stating he is "not a fan" of the format.

The condensed schedule recently saw many national teams play four Nations League matches in a short period. Rangers had 13 players away on international duty, with some only returning to training shortly before the team's upcoming match against Kilmarnock.

McInnes highlighted that the club had built significant momentum with six consecutive wins prior to the break, a run that included two victories against Celtic. He lamented that the extended nature of the break, which has kept him from working with his full squad for nearly three weeks, disrupts this positive trajectory.

"I think ideally when you’re searching for that kind of run of form, you want to just keep it going," McInnes said. "That little block of games from Aberdeen onwards was something we’d spoken about, working towards the break. To come through that with six straight victories was brilliant from the lads and very important to us. But the other side of it is the break has been too long. There’s no two ways about it."

He noted the logistical and physical toll on players who travel extensively for multiple matches with their national teams, as well as the club's concern for player welfare during this period. "This is the first time this has been implemented," McInnes explained. "I just think that our players are away with different federations, working with different staff, travelling all over the world for four games. I think it’s tough for the players to be away from their families and the like. But equally for us, there’s a lot of nervousness about your players getting into other teams and other countries’ hands for so long."

By the time the squad is fully back together and training, it will have been 19 days since their last match against Celtic. McInnes described this duration as "longer than a lot of tournaments for a lot of countries."

Despite the concerns about the break's length, McInnes reported that all players returned from international duty without injury, with the exception of Cammy Devlin, who sustained a hamstring injury that will sideline him for up to six weeks. Devlin picked up the injury during Rangers' 1-0 win over Celtic at Parkhead.

McInnes indicated that clubs may not have had significant consultation on the new international schedule, suggesting it is now established for the next three seasons. He expressed that the lengthy separation from his full squad has impacted training sessions, making it difficult to conduct 11-versus-11 drills. "You’re only training with eight or nine senior players," he stated. "You’re bringing some younger ones up, but they’ve got their own obligations with games and whatever as well."

He acknowledged that it is easier to manage such breaks after positive results, as it allows for reflection on what is working well. The team is using this period to analyze their recent successes and identify areas for continued improvement, rather than resting on their laurels. "We still need to get improvements," he emphasized. "We’re not just kicking back and giving ourselves a pat on the back and enjoying the last wee bit."

McInnes also commented on his recent selection as the Premiership's manager of the month for September. He attributed the award to strong team performances and the collective effort of his staff and players. "I think any individual award, whether it’s to players or a manager, it normally illustrates loads of things. Particularly strong team performances, it’s what the players produce on the pitch. But there’s a full staff behind me and a full staff behind the players that gives the players the best chance."

He noted that September was a crucial month for the team, following a period of "soul-searching" and inconsistent performances early in the season. The recent run of form has brought more certainty and consistency, leading to positive results. "For us now, it’s just about trying to maintain that," he concluded. "It’s easier said than done, of course, but I do feel also that we’ve been given a bit of encouragement and hopefully we can continue that now."