McInnes Seeks More from Rangers After Cup Final Spot Secured

Rangers manager Derek McInnes is on the brink of delivering his first major trophy at Ibrox after his side secured a spot in the League Cup final, thanks to Ryan Naderi's late goal that edged out a resilient Aberdeen at Hampden Park. The final will see Rangers face either Hearts or Hibernian in December, as McInnes pursues just his second major trophy after more than 800 matches across various teams. While the unbeaten streak of 11 matches is impressive, McInnes remains unsatisfied and is demanding even more from his players as they continue their promising season. His desire for higher standards reflects the club's long-standing thirst for consistent silverware. McInnes is fully aware that the expectations at Rangers are immense, and he wants to ensure his team meets them. So, what exactly is he looking for? Rangers have managed an impressive seven clean sheets during their unbeaten run, with Olwethu Makhanya standing out at center-back. Another shutout against Aberdeen was crucial, especially given their struggles to convert chances. In the semi-final, Rangers controlled 74% of possession and unleashed 25 shots, yet only five hit the target before Naderi's crucial goal came in the 83rd minute. "The job was to get the team and the club into a cup final, and we did that, but the stats tell a different story," McInnes told BBC Scotland. "We had possession and 25 shots, but only five on target—that's simply not good enough. It's a pattern we've seen too often, and it boils down to poor decision-making. "While Naderi's goal is vital for us, we must improve. I hope we can keep winning, but we all need to step up our performances." Naderi's journey has been remarkable since he arrived from the German third tier last February. Initially met with skepticism, he has silenced critics with key goals, including one in the recent 1-0 league victory at Celtic Park. He has netted eight times this season, and his contributions have been crucial, especially with key players like Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti sidelined. Former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday praised Naderi's transformation, saying, "He’s not just working hard; he’s scoring goals and proving his worth at the top end of the pitch. He’s the man who delivers when it matters." However, McInnes believes Naderi can offer even more if the team plays to his strengths. "He thrives on service, and we need to deliver better quality balls into the box for him," McInnes explained. "He’s already been a big-game player for us this season." At Rangers, the mandate is clear: win trophies. The club has only secured three major honors since 2012, a fact that weighs heavily on everyone involved. "Reaching finals consistently is crucial for us," McInnes stated. "It should be our norm to be at Hampden, contending for silverware every season. "If we falter in these moments, it raises questions, and the noise becomes harder to manage. This final gives our supporters something to look forward to and keeps the positive atmosphere alive at the club. "Every team has the potential to improve, and I definitely see that in this squad." For the latest updates and insights on Rangers, check out our dedicated Rangers page.