McInnes' Rangers Mission Is Simple — Be Better Than Celtic, Says Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen manager Willie Miller believes Derek McInnes faces a straightforward but formidable challenge at Rangers this season — simply being better than Celtic.
McInnes departed Hearts to take the Ibrox helm after Danny Rohl left Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg, and arrives with the task of returning the Premiership title to the blue half of Glasgow.
Miller, who managed Aberdeen alongside McInnes and has watched both Old Firm clubs at close quarters, paid tribute to Celtic's recent dominance while acknowledging last season's turbulence for both clubs.
"Magnificent season last season — absolutely top quality," Miller told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"But you've got to remember that Rangers and Celtic were both in turmoil as well." Miller was unequivocal about what McInnes must achieve.
"He's been brought in to Ibrox to be better than Celtic, to take the title off Celtic, and he knows it.
To dominate Scottish football you've got to be better than Celtic," he said.
McInnes's prior managerial record suggests he has the credentials to make an impact quickly.
He came close to winning the Premiership with Hearts in his debut season at Tynecastle, and has previously managed Bristol City, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.
Miller expressed confidence the new manager will hit the ground running.
"He nearly lifted the title with Hearts in his first season, so he'll be confident he can make a major impression at Ibrox," he added.
European competition, Miller felt, should be a secondary consideration.
McInnes departed Hearts to take the Ibrox helm after Danny Rohl left Rangers for Red Bull Salzburg, and arrives with the task of returning the Premiership title to the blue half of Glasgow.
Miller, who managed Aberdeen alongside McInnes and has watched both Old Firm clubs at close quarters, paid tribute to Celtic's recent dominance while acknowledging last season's turbulence for both clubs.
"Magnificent season last season — absolutely top quality," Miller told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"But you've got to remember that Rangers and Celtic were both in turmoil as well." Miller was unequivocal about what McInnes must achieve.
"He's been brought in to Ibrox to be better than Celtic, to take the title off Celtic, and he knows it.
To dominate Scottish football you've got to be better than Celtic," he said.
McInnes's prior managerial record suggests he has the credentials to make an impact quickly.
He came close to winning the Premiership with Hearts in his debut season at Tynecastle, and has previously managed Bristol City, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.
Miller expressed confidence the new manager will hit the ground running.
"He nearly lifted the title with Hearts in his first season, so he'll be confident he can make a major impression at Ibrox," he added.
European competition, Miller felt, should be a secondary consideration.