Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is under pressure to improve his focus as Derek McInnes watches closely, with the club currently second in the Premiership, 69 points from 33 games and just one point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian.
Why is Fernandez’s concentration under scrutiny?
Fernandez earned Rangers’ Player of the Year award last season, but recent matches have exposed lapses. Against St Étienne he allowed a French side to dominate his half, and a goalless draw with West Ham saw him drift at times, prompting visible frustration from McInnes on the touchline. The defender himself admits concentration is a work‑in‑progress, saying he still needs to tighten his focus.
How does this affect his place in the squad?
With South African centre‑back Olwethu Makhanya arriving at Govan, competition for the heart of defence is rising. Fernandez has partnered well with new signing Ben Godfrey, forming a compact unit that helped keep a clean sheet against West Ham. Yet any hint of sloppiness, especially in the upcoming Dundee United clash at Tannadice, could see him lose his starting berth.
What do big clubs see in him?
German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have reportedly kept tabs on the 25‑year‑old, impressed by his physicality, speed and goal‑threat. He can break lines and zip passes into midfield, a trait that makes him attractive to Europe’s elite. However, without the missing concentration, those suitors may have to wait.
What’s next for Rangers and Fernandez?
Rangers aim to close the one‑point gap to Hearts while maintaining a solid defensive record-66 goals scored, 31 conceded so far this season. Fernandez must deliver a disciplined performance against Dundee at home on 2026‑12‑30, where the opponents sit ninth. A strong showing could cement his role and silence McInnes’s doubts, while a misstep may open the door for Makhanya or other rivals.
Bottom line: Fernandez’s talent is undeniable, but his future at Ibrox hinges on sharpening the mental edge that McInnes expects from every Rangers defender.
