Rangers manager Derek McInnes addressed the media ahead of his team's Scottish Premiership clash against Motherwell this Saturday, sharing his insights on various topics, including the absence of away fans at the highly anticipated Old Firm derbies.
McInnes expressed his disappointment regarding the decision to exclude away supporters from the upcoming League Cup tie at Ibrox, as well as this season's league encounters between Rangers and their fierce rivals, Celtic. He emphasized the importance of having opposing fans present at derby matches, stating, "It's always better when opposition fans are allowed into a derby game." However, he acknowledged that certain behaviors must be adhered to, which led to the current decision.
Reflecting on the recent transfer window, McInnes noted that Rangers managed to secure many of their desired signings, which he hopes will contribute to a more stable environment within the club. He mentioned that the club aims to avoid excessive activity in future transfer windows, seeking to establish a sense of calmness and clarity. "There was a bit of relief when the window closed on Thursday," he remarked, highlighting the need for the team to focus on their performance moving forward.
McInnes is optimistic about the potential for players at Rangers, urging his squad to fully commit to the club. He described the atmosphere in the dressing room in recent weeks as strong and united, noting the humor and camaraderie among the players. This positive environment is crucial as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
In terms of squad depth, McInnes believes that competition among players will enhance the team's overall standards. He specifically mentioned the arrival of Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani on loan, noting that he will add much-needed quality to the right side of the pitch, an area that has been problematic for Rangers in recent seasons.
Additionally, McInnes addressed the situation of Belgium midfielder Nico Raskin, who had attracted interest from Besiktas. He stated that Raskin's experience will be invaluable as the team faces upcoming challenges. Regarding Raskin's absence from earlier European matches, McInnes clarified that it was a club decision made to protect their investment.
Another player, Scotland defender John Souttar, remains a topic of concern for McInnes, who indicated that Souttar's situation needs to be resolved after a potential transfer did not materialize. As for team news, left-back Tuur Rommens is expected to resume training before the upcoming match against Celtic, while new attacking signings Kevin Kelsy and Bouanani participated in training on Friday morning and are set to be included in the squad against Motherwell.
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