NafisaCELTIC FANS TAKE AIM! Derek McInnes’ ‘BIT OF ENVY’ Admission Sparks Fierce Backlash as Supporters Question Rangers Boss’ Real Motives
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has found himself at the centre of another talking point after admitting that watching other teams compete in European football brings a degree of envy, following his side’s disappointing failure to qualify for continental competition this season.
The Ibrox club entered the campaign with ambitions of competing on multiple fronts, but their European hopes collapsed during qualifying. Their subsequent absence from the group stages has left McInnes with a different challenge: making sure Rangers take full advantage of having fewer fixtures to contend with.
However, the manager has been careful not to suggest that a lighter schedule automatically gives his team an advantage. Instead, he has stressed that Rangers must turn their additional preparation time into results on the pitch, rather than become distracted by what their rivals are doing.
McInnes openly acknowledged his feelings when discussing the European matches taking place without Rangers.
“There’s a bit of envy,” the Rangers boss admitted, recognising that European nights remain something his side would rather be experiencing themselves.
Rangers were knocked out of Europa League qualifying after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Jagiellonia Białystok. Their hopes of reaching the Conference League were then ended by FK Jablonec, who defeated them in a penalty shoot-out.
Those setbacks have left the club watching from home while other Scottish sides continue their European campaigns, with Celtic among the teams competing on the continental stage.
McInnes, however, insists that Rangers must concentrate on their own progress rather than become consumed by the success or struggles of other clubs.
The manager acknowledged that missing Europe could offer benefits if Rangers manage to turn their attention towards domestic football and deliver consistently. But he also made clear that having more time to prepare for matches means little unless the team uses it properly.
His message was straightforward: Rangers need to improve, collect victories and build momentum through their performances.
“Take small steps, win games and not be obsessed with elsewhere,” was the message behind McInnes’ comments as he urged his players to remain focused on their own campaign.
That admission has provided fresh material for the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, with the two clubs facing very different circumstances as the season progresses.
Celtic supporters have had plenty of reasons to debate the situation, particularly after Martin O’Neill suggested that Rangers’ absence from European football could provide a significant advantage in domestic competition. O’Neill also indicated that he would rather Rangers had qualified, despite the potential benefits their absence could bring Celtic’s rivals.
The discussion has become even more interesting because Celtic have endured their own difficult spell, including a 4-1 defeat away to Benfica in the Europa League. Their domestic results have also come under scrutiny, leaving O’Neill’s side with pressure of their own as they prepare for their next league fixture.
For some supporters, McInnes’ admission has offered another opportunity to take a swipe at the Rangers manager. The reaction has reflected the hostility he attracts from sections of the Scottish football audience, although the comments circulating online should not be mistaken for a verified collection of Celtic fans’ posts on X.
“I hate Derek McInnes. That is all,” one online commenter wrote, expressing their dislike in blunt terms.
Another reaction focused on Rangers’ frustrating afternoon against Dundee, with a commenter writing: “It was great seeing McInnes’ twisted face after Dundee’s second goal.”
The comments capture the sharp tone of the online debate surrounding McInnes, particularly after Rangers dropped points in a match they had hoped to win. They do not, however, establish that every commenter was a Celtic supporter or that the views represent the wider Parkhead fanbase.
McInnes had entered the Dundee match with Rangers enjoying a seven-game winning run, giving his side an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Scottish Premiership. Instead, a 2-2 draw brought that sequence to an end and prevented Rangers from moving above Celtic.
Rangers took the lead twice at Dens Park but were unable to hold on for all three points. Nicolas Raskin produced an impressive long-range strike, only for Dundee to respond after a costly error involving Rangers midfielder Dan Neil allowed Callum Jones to equalise.
The result underlined the point McInnes has repeatedly made about the importance of turning performances into victories. Rangers may have more time between matches without European commitments, but that advantage will count for little if mistakes continue to cost them points.
Celtic, meanwhile, must manage their own domestic pressure while balancing the demands of European football. Their schedule is more demanding, but their results will ultimately determine whether the extra matches become a burden or an opportunity to build momentum.
McInnes has therefore attempted to draw a line under the disappointment of missing out on Europe and direct his attention towards the league. His admission that he feels some envy is understandable given Rangers’ ambitions, but his challenge is to ensure that frustration does not become a distraction.
For now, the Rangers boss wants his team focused on the next result rather than the European nights they are missing. Whether that approach delivers the domestic success he needs will be judged on the pitch — and with Celtic also fighting to recover their form, the rivalry between the clubs is unlikely to lose its intensity anytime soon.
Nafisa
