Anyone who has been paying attention to Rangers’ season to date will have noticed visible frustration from Derek McInnes toward Manny Fernandez.
The sentiment has been shared in the stands as well.
Fernandez hasn’t been on form so far, and the major gripe is that he’s capable of playing much better.
When asked about the Nigerian international’s situation at Wednesday’s press conference, McInnes gave a measured yet pointed response.
Derek McInnes reacts to Manny Fernandez question
Is he playing within himself? Is his head elsewhere? What’s going on?
There’s no sign of serious transfer interest at present, but some would be content to see him leave.
No one knows on the outside.
We often forget that players are human too, and there may be other things going on, but as long as he is in the team and available for selection, it’s OK to judge on performances and the eye-test.
Manny Fernandez isn’t in form, and he needs to improve. This season he carries extra responsibility and he needs to meet the expectations.
Rangers back-line isn’t as tight and high-performing as required, but McInnes has made clear that he wants some stability, which will see Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya continue.
Players have to show focus, concentration and application – McInnes
When asked if the player was suffering from concentration issues, Derek McInnes provided a very interesting critique of Manny Fernandez and when reading between the lines, it’s very apparent that he wants much more from his central defender.
“We are trying to help every player find their best form. Every player is at a different moment, but we need to be as stingy as we can at the back and develop rhythm and relationships.
“We have used different centre-half pairings in the games we have played.
“At this stage of the season, it can be difficult to be at your best, but the players have to show focus, concentration and application to reach their best level quickly.
“We have good players and a lot of potential in the club. It is up to us to help realise that potential, but players need to take responsibility as well.
“Sometimes football feels easy and automatic; at other times, you need to work harder at your game. With a new manager and a lot of new players, everyone has to be fully focused on what is being asked of them.”
He sees what the rest of us do.
Manny Fernandez, to an extent, is a victim of his own initial (relative) success last season. He needs to raise the bar, or he could find himself on the sidelines soon.
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