Derek McInnes addresses Hearts fans’ anger as Rangers boss shares what Wouter Vrancken told him.

Derek McInnes played down his tense full-time exchange with Wouter Vrancken after Rangers fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle.

The Rangers manager was given a hostile reception on his return to Gorgie after his controversial departure from Hearts for Ibrox, but he insisted there was no lingering issue between himself and his former club’s current head coach.

Instead, McInnes jokingly suggested that Vrancken had actually thanked him for leaving behind such a strong squad when he departed Tynecastle.

There was an uncomfortable-looking moment between the two managers after the final whistle, with McInnes and Vrancken appearing to exchange stern looks before eventually shaking hands.

McInnes had already warned his Rangers players that they would face an intense atmosphere in Edinburgh, and his prediction proved accurate. The home supporters made their feelings towards their former manager clear throughout the evening.

Rangers initially looked in control after Kevin Kelsy gave them the lead, but Hearts responded impressively. Claudio Braga brought the hosts level before Calvin Miller completed their comeback, putting the Jambos within touching distance of a hugely significant victory.

However, Hearts were denied three points when Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya produced a late equaliser in the 88th minute.

The result meant both teams had to settle for a point in a match that had major implications near the top of the table.

When McInnes was asked about his exchange with Vrancken, he responded with a smile: “No, all good. I think he was just thanking me for how grateful he is for leaving him such a strong squad here.”

Vrancken also played down the incident when questioned about the apparent tension.

The Belgian said he had “the biggest respect” for McInnes, both for his work at Rangers and for what he had previously achieved at Hearts.

He added that regardless of whether a team wins, loses or draws, managers should be able to shake hands properly. Vrancken confirmed that he and McInnes had spoken after the match and that everything between them was fine.

While the atmosphere between the managers was eventually settled, McInnes had endured a difficult evening in front of supporters who once regarded him as a hero.

He had guided Hearts to the brink of a title last season before making the controversial decision to leave for Rangers. His return to Tynecastle was therefore always likely to generate a strong response from the home crowd.

The Rangers boss admitted beforehand that he expected a hostile reception and said he understood why Hearts fans reacted the way they did.

McInnes was particularly frustrated with his side’s failure to impose themselves on the game after taking the lead.

He admitted Rangers lacked authority for long periods and praised Hearts for producing the stronger individual performances.

“We’re disappointed we never showed more authority in the game,” McInnes said. He acknowledged that nobody should expect complete control when playing at Tynecastle, but felt his side failed to retain possession often enough.

The Rangers manager pointed towards his young attacking players as one reason for the difficulties.

He believes the forward line still has plenty to learn, particularly when it comes to protecting the ball and controlling difficult moments in matches.

McInnes did, however, highlight the combination between his two strikers for the opening goal as an example of what Rangers can produce when they play with greater confidence and precision.

He also gave Hearts credit for their performance, admitting that the home side had the better individual performers on the night.

According to McInnes, three or four Hearts players delivered particularly impressive displays, while Rangers struggled to reach the same level.

The second half was especially disappointing for the Rangers boss.

“We never started the second half. It’s inexplicable, really,” he admitted.

Although he felt Rangers’ statistics compared favourably with Hearts in certain areas, he accepted that the figures did not tell the complete story.

Rangers had more possession and created more big chances, while the number of shots on target was relatively similar. However, McInnes believed Hearts’ players performed better when it mattered.

The Rangers boss described the game as an important learning experience for his young forwards.

He explained that he is still discovering what his players can do, while they are also developing their understanding of the game at this level.

McInnes stressed that Rangers must improve their basic footballing habits.

That includes keeping possession more effectively, winning fouls when opponents make contact and becoming more intelligent in the attacking areas.

He felt Rangers were too careless and rushed in the final third, preventing them from establishing control over the match.

Despite the hostile reception, McInnes admitted there were positive emotions attached to returning to Tynecastle.

He enjoyed seeing former players, staff members and people he had worked with during his time at Hearts.

The manager said he even encountered some players he had previously signed but had never met in person, making the occasion feel unusual.

McInnes insisted that his time at Hearts remains something he looks back on fondly.

“I had a brilliant time here,” he said, adding that there was plenty of affection for the club and the people he worked with.

However, he accepted that once the match began, the supporters were always going to treat him as an opponent.

He said he understood their reaction and never expected them to welcome him warmly.

One Rangers player who did receive significant praise from McInnes was Makhanya.

The defender’s late equaliser rescued a point for the visitors, but his manager believed his overall performance deserved recognition.

McInnes agreed when the player was singled out, describing him as outstanding and suggesting he had to be at his best because Rangers were not always sufficiently assured around him.

For Hearts, the late equaliser was particularly painful.

Celtic had dropped points at home to Dundee United, meaning Rangers had an opportunity to strengthen their position in the title race. Instead, the draw represented two points dropped.

Hearts also had a chance to reduce Rangers’ advantage in second place, but Vrancken’s side were unable to hold on for victory.

The Hearts boss admitted he was disappointed to concede so late because he believed his team deserved all three points.

Vrancken praised his players for the way they responded after conceding the opening goal through a mistake.

He felt Hearts produced an excellent first half and maintained their level after the break, continuing to fight for victory despite the circumstances surrounding the club.

The Belgian was particularly impressed by the team spirit shown by his players.

He pointed out that Rangers had spent heavily during the summer, were competing for the title and had the advantage of not playing European football. They had also enjoyed an additional day of recovery before the match.

Considering those factors, Vrancken said he was extremely proud of the performance produced by his Hearts side.

The fact that his players were frustrated rather than satisfied with a draw was another source of encouragement.

Vrancken said the Hearts dressing room felt as though they had lost two points rather than gained one against a strong Rangers team.

For the Hearts manager, that attitude demonstrated the belief and fighting spirit developing within his squad.

Despite the disappointment of conceding so late, Vrancken insisted the performance showed Hearts can compete with the best sides in the league.

The draw ultimately left both clubs frustrated, but it also highlighted the growing intensity surrounding the title race and the complicated emotions surrounding McInnes’ return to Tynecastle.