Rangers boss McInnes criticises extended international break

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 17:55 · Archive

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says the extended international break is 'too long' for players and clubs.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has expressed dissatisfaction with the extended international break, saying he is 'not a fan' of how long it lasts. Following Rangers' win over Celtic on 20 September, 13 Ibrox players were away on international duty for their respective countries. McInnes said the full squad will only train together on Friday, 19 days after the derby match, ahead of the visit of Kilmarnock.

McInnes outlined his concerns about the arrangement. 'Our players are away with different federations, working with different staff and travelling all over the world for four games,' he said. 'It's tough for the players to be away from their families, but equally for us there is a lot of nervousness about your players going into other countries' hands for so long.'

He noted that by the time Rangers train together as a full squad, more time will have passed than in many tournaments for individual countries. McInnes was named Premiership manager of the month for September after four wins that month. Rangers had won six successive matches before the break, including two victories over Celtic in the League Cup and Premiership, reviving their season after a difficult start to his tenure that included European elimination.

How it is being reported

• Rangers boss Derek McInnes is no fan of elongated international break as he looks for Ibrox men to maintain their winning momentumRangers boss Derek McInnes has hit out at the extended international break - insisting he is 'not a fan' of the new-look format.Daily Mail Sport · 8 Oct, 17:33
• Rangers boss McInnes 'not a fan' of extended breakRangers manager Derek McInnes says he is "not a fan" of the extended international break which he considers "too long".BBC Sport · 8 Oct, 12:48

In this story: Derek McInnes · Rangers · Celtic · Kilmarnock

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