Rangers manager admits squad lacks quality for European competitions

Rangers manager Michael McInnes has voiced stark concerns about his squad's readiness for European competition, stating they are "not ready" for the Champions League and Europa League despite millions spent on new signings. McInnes believes the team requires more quality and confidence, acknowledging that Rangers' third-place finish last season was insufficient.

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The club is built for the Champions League and Europa League, but I don't think the team is ready for it and it pains me to say it.

McInnes identified the team's struggle to maintain performance for a full 90 minutes as a persistent issue carried over from the previous season. He found the fans' boos at the end of Thursday's defeat justified, describing the second-half performance as unacceptable. "It is not great to watch. My team go from some good highs in the first half to being as poor as we were in the second half and you have to say we didn't do enough," he commented.

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We need to get more quality, we need to get more confidence into the team.

The club's challenges have been compounded by a long-term knee injury to Youssef Chermiti, shortly after Rangers rejected a substantial bid for the 22-year-old. This situation necessitates the recruitment of a new striker, in addition to McInnes's existing targets of wingers and defenders. PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech is reportedly close to joining the club.

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Rangers finishing third last season, what was served up wasn't good enough. We have to get things moving in the right way quickly.

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson suggested that new captain Lawrence Shankland is already feeling the intense pressure of playing for the club. Thompson noted that even a minor error, such as a misplaced pass, draws immediate criticism from the Ibrox faithful, a stark contrast to the reception he might have received at previous clubs. This mental adjustment, Thompson believes, will take time for Shankland to navigate.

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I think it was justified, to be honest. What we served up in the second half was not good enough.