Headline: Rangers Manager Backs Defender Amid Criticism Ahead of Cup Semi-Final
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has publicly defended centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, stating that the player “has been a big part” of the team’s strong performances this season. The 25-year-old Nigerian international recently faced scrutiny following notable mistakes, particularly during the club’s 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite the criticism, Fernandez has been an ever-present figure for Rangers, who currently lead the league in clean sheets this season. “I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday; he was outstanding on Saturday [against St Johnstone],” McInnes remarked before the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
He stressed that the previous match’s shortcomings should not be blamed solely on Fernandez, adding, “Last night wasn’t on Manny Fernandez; last night was a collective.” He continued to highlight Fernandez’s contributions, stating, “I never get asked about Manny when he does really well, and he’s been a big part of our better performances this season.”
Rangers will face Aberdeen on Saturday at Hampden, with McInnes eager to secure a victory over his former club. The team has won three trophies since 2012 but has not achieved any silverware in the last two seasons. McInnes, who took over in June, is determined to change this trend and noted his previous success in defeating Celtic 3-0 in the quarter-finals at Ibrox.
“To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief,” McInnes said. He acknowledged that semi-finals can be tense, as stakes are high and performances may vary.
With Aberdeen struggling in their recent matches, Rangers appear to be strong contenders to advance to December’s final against either Hearts or Hibernian. However, McInnes respects Aberdeen’s potential, especially under the guidance of experienced manager Stephen Robinson, who led St Mirren to lift the trophy last year.
“They’ve got a good, experienced manager in Robbo (Stephen Robinson) and some good, experienced players in Aberdeen,” McInnes noted. “People might view us as favourites for it and I understand that, but we’ve still got a game to win, and Aberdeen are capable of a big performance.”
As the match approaches, McInnes emphasizes focusing on his team’s performance. “If we get to our levels, then hopefully it’s going to be enough to win the game, but a strong 90-minute performance is going to be required,” he said. Despite his competitive spirit, he expressed “sympathy” for Robinson and the pressure he faces, recognizing the challenges involved in managing at a high-stakes club like Aberdeen.
McInnes reflected on his own experience, saying he understands the burden on managers as he recalls his tenure with various clubs in semi-finals where they were often not favored to win. “I’ve managed St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in semi-finals, and we were never the favourites then, but I always felt confident that we could win the game,” he stated, displaying an understanding of the many pressures associated with high-stakes football.
