Emmanuel Fernandez Fires Back at Rangers Critics and Doubters

Rangers' start to the campaign has certainly not gone how new manager Derek McInnes would have wanted.

Even after making 14 additions to their squad this summer, the Gers have failed to make a convincing impression during the opening games of the season.

Alongside sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership League table, five points behind league leaders Celtic, the Light Blues will also not take part in any UEFA competition for the first time since 2017.

Certainly a major blow for the club and its supporters, but during the past three games, McInnes and his men have seemingly found a way to make things work, as they have now won three games on the trot.

Seemingly, the Gers' defence has improved a lot since their defeat against FK Jablonec in the Conference League qualifying rounds.

The duo of Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya performed really well against Motherwell, stopping the visitors in their tracks and helping their team secure a 1-0 victory.

The former decided to answer his critics after keeping two clean sheets in their last three games, saying (h/t The National), "To be fair, I don't really look into what is said about me. I just try to focus on myself and try to improve, being better. Every day I want to be better.

"I know when something I've done is bad, and I know that I need to improve on it. But it's something, like I'm still growing as a player and something I know that I will improve on eventually. And I just focus on the demands of the club and myself as well."

Fernandez not only filled in for the latest summer signing Ben Godfrey but also stepped up his game to get into McInnes' starting lineup even after Godfrey's return to full fitness.

With the Gers bringing in Godfrey and Makhanya this summer, there were a number of speculations surrounding Fernandez's departure during this transfer window.

A number of top European clubs were keeping tabs on the Nigerian center-back this summer, but none of those interests materialized into a transfer, which could be a real blessing in disguise for the Teddy Bears.

Despite a few displays of a lack of concentration, Fernandez's strong display against Motherwell has now not only won back his manager's confidence, but also the confidence of the fans who have been calling for him to be replaced by Godfrey.

But the next three games for the Gers and Fernandez seem to be the real test of character as they take on St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership before facing Celtic in two back-to-back derbies later on this month.