Rangers head coach Derek McInnes has demanded more from Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernández following a difficult start to the 2026–27 season, stressing that the center back must raise his concentration levels and work ethic after costly errors against Jagiellonia Białystok and St. Mirren.

After winning Rangers’ Player of the Season and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Season last year, the Nigerian international has faced sharp scrutiny for lapses in concentration and giving away a penalty.

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Early Struggle

McInnes in a chat with the Scottish Sun, noted that players have to work to recapture their peak form, challenging Fernandez to replicate the high standards he set during his stellar debut campaign.

“Certainly you have to have that real focus and concentration and application at your way to try to get your best performances.

“We have got good players at the club and a lot of potential at the club. It is up to us to realise that potential but players themselves have to take that on and be really focused and try to get the best out of themselves.

“Sometimes football is automatic, sometimes players have to work a little bit harder at their games”, he concluded.

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Transfer Speculation

His breakout debut campaign previously attracted heavy summer interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Rennes, and Borussia Dortmund, with a valuation set around £20 million.

The 25-year-old center-back also earned recent call-ups to the Nigerian Super Eagles, increasing the spotlight on his current club form and concentration at the back.