Derek McInnes defends Rangers squad after damaging Hibernian defeat
Rangers boss Derek McInnes urges calm following a 2-1 loss to Hibernian while awaiting a crucial injury update on striker Youssef Chermiti.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has called for calm after a challenging start to the Scottish Premiership campaign. Despite a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox, the manager insisted that the current performance levels are not as poor as recent criticism suggests.
The match was marred by a contentious penalty awarded to Hibernian following a VAR review, which Josh Campbell converted. McInnes expressed strong disagreement with the officiating, arguing that the decision was incorrect and fundamentally altered the momentum of the game.
We're not as bad as some people will be saying at the minute. And I think it's important that we just batten down the hatches, stay strong, stay together. Derek McInnes
The defeat was compounded by a serious-looking knee injury to star striker Youssef Chermiti, who was forced off before half-time. The forward, who scored 15 goals last season, left the stadium in a protective boot and brace. The club's medical staff is currently awaiting scan results to determine the full extent of the damage.
This injury blow comes shortly after Rangers rejected a £22 million bid from Galatasaray for the player. With the team now sitting five points behind early pacesetters Celtic and St Mirren, the pressure is mounting on McInnes to secure his first competitive victory as manager.
Looking ahead, McInnes must focus on rebuilding attacking chemistry and securing results in upcoming domestic cup and league fixtures to prevent the gap at the top of the table from widening further.