Derek McInnes point-blank refused to ask the fans for more time in the aftermath of Sunday’s crushing defeat against Hibs.
Instead, he stood and took it on the chin.
He’s an experienced manager and well-versed in how things work at Ibrox, so he doesn’t need anyone to tell him how serious the current situation is.
Three competitive games played, two losses and no wins. That must change quickly.
Despite a ridiculous penalty given against Vanja Dragojevic in the first half, he felt his team deserved more, and was complimentary of the effort and application shown by the players.
Rangers need to find answers immediately
Most fans won’t have been convinced by the performance.
There were some dubious selections and changes on an afternoon when everything went against Rangers.
The alarm bells are ringing, but it’s not quite the time to panic.
What happens next is paramount for McInnes and Rangers’ season ahead.
League business won’t resume for three weeks, and next up is the chance for Europa League redemption.
Not progressing against Jagiellonia is unthinkable.
The noise and pressure will intensify, and the manager needs to quell that.
He knows what the supporters expect and what they won’t stand for. He’s also wise enough not to fall into traps.
Derek McInnes refuses to patronise the fans
When asked if he needed more patience and time, the answer was loud and clear:
“No, I’m not asking for more time. I’m asking, I understand the frustration. I share the frustration. It’s 15 years of frustration here at this club. Nobody knows that more than me. We won one title, sad McInnes.
“Fans didn’t even get to see the title win. So we’re a by-product. Every Rangers team is a by-product of that frustration.
“The Rangers fans just want to see their team winning and so do I. And we will get there.
“It’s not going to start like we wanted. But we all get the outcome that we’re going to get. And we have to work hard and stick together in the dressing room.
“But do we expect it to be any different to what we got today? Not until we start winning. So I’m fine with that.
“I’m not going to ask the fans for more patience because I think the Rangers fans have been patient enough.
“So it’s up to us to give them a winning team more often than not. And we will get there.
“We could do with some help. And we’re working hard to try and get some bodies in. And we could do with a wee bit more luck than we got today, certainly. It’s not been the start that we wanted, but we are still intending to get the same outcome.”
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