- “I WANT PLAYER WHO BITE LIKE MAD DOG” — Derek McInnes Explains Raskin Decision After Jablonec Win
Derek McInnes has explained his decision to leave Nicolas Raskin on the bench throughout Rangers’ UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg clash against FK Jablonec, insisting that he wants midfielders who are willing to “bite like a mad dog” and give everything in a high-intensity system.
The Rangers manager opted against introducing Raskin during the match at Ibrox, despite the Belgian midfielder being regarded as one of the most important players in the squad.
The decision immediately attracted attention among supporters, particularly given Raskin’s importance in the Rangers midfield and his ability to influence games with his energy, pressing and passing.
However, McInnes has suggested that the decision was not necessarily a criticism of Raskin’s ability.
Instead, the Rangers boss used the opportunity to assess other midfield options while explaining exactly what he expects from players operating in the middle of the pitch.
🗣️ “I WANT A MIDFIELDER WHO IS HUNGRY FOR THE BALL”
McInnes admitted that his demands may sound harsh, but insisted that Rangers need midfielders capable of matching the intensity of the football he wants his team to play.
«“It might sound harsh, but I want a midfield who is hungry for the ball.”»
The Rangers boss wants his side to play with speed, intensity and purpose, particularly when possession changes hands.
Rather than allowing the opposition time to settle, McInnes wants his midfielders to immediately react to turnovers, win the ball back and launch attacks quickly.
That philosophy was evident in his explanation of the tactical approach he is trying to establish at Rangers.
«“My pattern of football is fast football with transition in attack.”»
For McInnes, that means midfielders cannot simply be technically gifted players who are comfortable in possession.
They must also be prepared to work relentlessly when Rangers lose the ball.
🔥 “READY TO DIE WHEN THE BALL IS NOT WITH HIM”
Perhaps the strongest part of McInnes’ explanation came when he described the mentality he expects from his midfielders.
The Rangers manager wants players who are prepared to make sacrifices for the team and chase every loose ball.
«“I need a midfield with a lot of energy, fast when he’s with the ball and ready to die when the ball is not with him.”»
It is a brutally demanding description, but it perfectly illustrates the type of football McInnes appears determined to implement.
The Rangers midfield is expected to be the engine room of the team.
When Rangers have possession, McInnes wants his midfielders to move the ball quickly and drive the team forward.
When possession is lost, he wants an immediate response.
There should be no walking away from challenges and no waiting for the opposition to build an attack.
The reaction has to be instant.
👀 WHY DID RASKIN REMAIN ON THE BENCH?
The biggest talking point was naturally the decision to leave Raskin on the bench for the entire game.
The Belgian has established himself as one of Rangers’ key midfielders, making his omission particularly noticeable.
But McInnes insists that supporters should not interpret the decision as a major problem between the manager and player.
Instead, the Rangers boss wanted to use the Jablonec game as an opportunity to examine other options.
«“I just want Raskin to rest so I can examine others.”»
That explanation could prove significant as the season develops.
McInnes is effectively telling the Rangers squad that reputation alone will not guarantee a place in his starting XI.
Every midfielder will have to demonstrate that they can execute his tactical demands.
And with European football, domestic competition and a demanding schedule ahead, Rangers will need more than one reliable midfield combination.
⚡ COMPETITION FOR PLACES IS BEGINNING
Raskin’s absence could therefore be viewed as part of a bigger process.
McInnes appears determined to discover which players can operate effectively within his preferred style.
The manager wants competition throughout the squad, particularly in midfield.
That could mean some established players occasionally finding themselves on the bench while others are given an opportunity to prove themselves.
For Rangers, that competition could be extremely important.
A team attempting to play fast, aggressive football needs players capable of maintaining that intensity over an entire season.
Injuries, suspensions, fatigue and fixture congestion will inevitably force changes.
McInnes therefore needs to know which players can step into the team without dramatically changing the way Rangers play.
The Jablonec fixture provided him with another opportunity to gather that information.
🐕 “BITE LIKE A MAD DOG”
The manager’s comments about wanting midfielders who can “bite like a mad dog” are likely to become one of the most memorable descriptions of his Rangers philosophy.
It is not simply about tackling.
It is about attitude.
McInnes wants players who aggressively compete for possession, immediately respond after losing the ball and have the physical and mental energy to repeatedly make forward runs.
For Rangers supporters, that could signal a significant change in expectations.
Players may be judged not only by goals, assists or impressive passes, but also by how much ground they cover, how quickly they react to turnovers and how aggressively they press opponents.
That could make midfield one of the most competitive areas of the Rangers squad.
🏟️ JABLONEC PROVIDED THE PERFECT TEST
The Conference League play-off first leg against Jablonec was another important step in Rangers’ European campaign.
Playing at Ibrox, Rangers needed to take control of the tie and put themselves in a strong position heading into the second leg.
For McInnes, however, the match was also an opportunity to continue evaluating his squad.
The manager’s decision not to use Raskin suggests that he was willing to trust other midfield options and assess whether they could provide the energy and intensity he demands.
That could become increasingly important as Rangers move deeper into the season.
European football will bring additional matches, while domestic fixtures will continue to pile up.
Having several midfielders capable of playing at a high tempo could give McInnes the flexibility he needs.
👊 A MESSAGE TO THE WHOLE RANGERS SQUAD
Perhaps the most important message from McInnes’ comments is that they were not only about Raskin.
They were about everyone.
The Rangers manager appears to be establishing a clear standard: work rate is non-negotiable.
If a midfielder wants to play regularly, McInnes wants him to show hunger for possession, energy when carrying the ball and aggression when Rangers are without it.
That could create an intriguing battle for starting places.
Raskin remains an important option, but the manager’s comments suggest that nobody should assume their position is guaranteed.
The Belgian may now have to respond by showing exactly why he deserves to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
At the same time, the players who were given opportunities in his absence will know that McInnes is watching closely.
🔵 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR RANGERS
McInnes’ comments could ultimately prove more significant than the decision to leave Raskin on the bench.
The Rangers manager has clearly identified the midfield as an area where he wants a particular mentality.
He wants speed.
He wants aggression.
He wants energy.
Most importantly, he wants players who are prepared to fight for every ball.
The phrase “bite like a mad dog” may have been delivered with some humour and exaggeration, but the underlying message is serious.
McInnes is building a Rangers team around intensity and transition football, and his midfielders will be central to that plan.
For Raskin, meanwhile, the message appears equally clear: rest today, compete tomorrow.
The Belgian midfielder remains a major part of the Rangers squad, but McInnes has made it clear that he wants to examine his alternatives and create genuine competition.
And if his vision becomes reality, Rangers supporters could soon see a midfield that does not give opponents a moment’s peace — winning the ball, moving it quickly and attacking at speed.
For McInnes, that is the standard.
Hungry for the ball. Fast in possession. Relentless without it.
And, above all, willing to “bite like a mad dog.”
