Rangers Defender Fernandez Says He’s Still Growing Amid Difficult Start

Photo Credit: Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers – Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Rangers Defender Fernandez Says He’s Still Growing Amid Difficult Start
Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has said he is blocking out outside noise and focusing on improving daily after a tough start to the 2026/27 season.

The Super Eagles centre-back, speaking in an interview with The Scottish Sun, revealed that his conversations with manager Derek McInnes have been about maintaining concentration for the full 90 minutes and cutting out small mistakes that lead to chances for opponents.

Despite Rangers’ early struggles and elimination from European competition, Fernandez said there are positives in the squad’s togetherness and growing defensive organisation.
“I don’t really look into what is said about me. I just try to focus on myself and try to improve to be better,” Fernandez said.

“Every day I want to be better, and I know when something I’ve done is bad, and I know that I need to improve on it. But I’m still growing as a player, and it’s something I know I will improve on eventually. I just focus on the demands of the club and myself as well.”
The Nigerian defender added that the fine margins have been costly for Rangers, and limiting opponents’ opportunities remains the key message from the manager.
“Maybe it’s just concentration in moments. Like, if we do have a chat, it’s concentration in moments and the small things. Sometimes they’re the ones that could cause a goal to come against us,” he explained.

“I feel like the togetherness is getting better. And I feel like, as a team, maybe our performances haven’t been better from the Aberdeen game, but we’ve grown as a team. We’re growing, and I still think there’s more to come.”
Fernandez admitted the early European exit was difficult but said McInnes has refocused the team on domestic success, reminding the players that three trophies are still available and stressing the importance of getting the fans back behind the team.
Source: Complete Sports –