Derek McInnes has defended his Rangers squad's character after Olwethu Makhanya's post-match comments appeared to question some teammates, as the Ibrox boss prepares for a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, McInnes was still smarting from the 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle, where Makhanya's last-minute equaliser rescued a point. The manager was reluctant to discuss his heated handshake with his successor in the home dugout and bristled when asked about moving Manny Fernandez out of central defence.
McInnes defends squad character
Responding to Makhanya's remarks, McInnes said: "I got told about Makka's comments and I think, what he was trying to relay, there was a period in the game when it looked as if we were second best, even though the running stats will tell you we weren't.
"But it's too easy to point fingers at 'character'. It's just a word that gets banded about here. We've got plenty of character and we've shown that already this season. We had the character to bounce back and get a result last night when it looked as if we weren't going to get that."
He acknowledged the team's shortcomings: "At times in the game, we have to acknowledge we weren't good enough both technically and physically. I thought we were being outmuscled at times and not getting to the break of the ball quickly enough."
Importance of first trophy
McInnes stressed the significance of winning silverware for the team's development. "We're a very young team and I've said this before. When it's been good it's been very good but there have also been times when it's been a bit too inconsistent," he said.
"Getting the first trophy would be so important in reinforcing confidence and in reinforcing belief." He added: "For the bond, that tightness and the evolution of us as a team, it's so important for us to win something. Hopefully Saturday will be a step towards that."
Semi-final preparations
Looking ahead to the semi-final at Hampden, McInnes acknowledged the challenge. "Obviously we had a tough tie to navigate last time around, beating Celtic, and now we're in a semi final it's important that we turn up," he said.
"Semi finals traditionally can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension. Sometimes they are not the best games because of what is at stake. But we can't just turn up on Saturday just hoping to win. We've got to set about the task."
He noted the support of 35,000 fans and the determination of the opposition: "Obviously we'll have 35,000 fans which is brilliant - a great support - and it's something that's very important to us all, to make sure we get to the final. But we'll be up against a team which will be equally as determined to get there as well."
McInnes concluded: "I've both won semi finals and I've lost semi finals and I know the contrast is huge. But I know what I want for the club, I know what I want for my team and I'm just hoping we can deliver a big performance."
