Derek McInnes, manager of Rangers, has emphasized the need for his team to avoid complacency as they prepare to face rivals Celtic this weekend. Despite a recent streak of five consecutive wins, culminating in a Premier Sports Cup victory over Celtic, McInnes remains acutely aware of the shifting pressures in football management.
"At a club like Rangers, you’re only one bad result away from getting a belt in the mouth again," McInnes stated. He highlighted that it was only a few weeks prior that the club faced a significant European exit and fan scrutiny over his position. The subsequent turnaround, including a crucial win at Aberdeen, has boosted confidence, but McInnes is determined to prevent any let-up.
The manager stressed that individual moments and strong player performances are paramount, more so than tactics. He wants his players to approach the match with the same aggression, confidence, and energy displayed in recent victories. "You don’t win at Celtic Park unless everybody plays well. We’ve got to try and bring something similar and look for those improvements again," he added.
The potential ramifications of a defeat are significant. Rangers could find themselves eight points behind Celtic in the league title race heading into the international break. McInnes views the upcoming match not as a guaranteed win, but as an opportunity to press home an advantage while Celtic appears to be struggling, having also suffered a recent Europa League defeat.
McInnes also commented on team spirit, noting a photograph of several Rangers players enjoying coffee together. He expressed his approval of players spending time together off the pitch, believing that camaraderie is vital, particularly for new signings adjusting to Glasgow. "I just like my players to be around each other. I don’t really care what they’re doing, to be honest," he said. "I want them to be in in the morning, can’t wait to get to work, be around each other and never be in a rush to leave as well."
While the exact tactical approach for the Celtic match remains to be seen, McInnes is focused on instilling a consistent identity of aggression and intensity within the squad. A victory at Parkhead would further elevate the team's confidence and potentially shift the balance of power in the title race. Rangers cannot afford to give a beleaguered Celtic side time to recover their form.