Rangers were eliminated from European competition following a disappointing performance in their recent match. Manager Derek McInnes expressed deep frustration with the team’s showing, calling it a low point for the club. He said he was embarrassed by what his players delivered on the pitch.
McInnes emphasized that the team had done a lot to prepare players for peak performance but it did not show in the game, according to The Independent. He admitted the side failed to perform at any level that could be considered acceptable. The manager criticized how the team handled key moments, especially when two players cried after missing penalty kicks.
He stated he would not make excuses for the result. McInnes believed that the opposing team outplayed his side in most areas of the match.
The manager said he was deeply disappointed by the team’s performance and felt it was a reflection of his leadership. He acknowledged that there had been significant changes in the squad, which led to some inexperience on the field, according to a report from the BBC. However, he insisted that his responsibility was to ensure the team performed better than what they did.
McInnes accepted partial blame for the result but said players also needed to improve. He recognized that the players knew they had not met expectations. The manager expressed sorrow for the fans who traveled to support the team.
He said that while supporters did not always expect perfection, they deserved a much better showing from their team. Jablonec scored through Vakhtang Tchanturishvili in the 73rd minute to level the tie 1-1 on aggregate. After extra time failed to produce another goal, Rangers were eliminated 4-3 in the penalty shootout..
Despite those wins, Rangers had struggled earlier in the season, drawing 1-1 at Dundee United and losing 2-1 at home to Hibernian. The stats showed that Rangers won fewer than 70% of their tackles and committed 17 fouls during the match. McInnes criticized the team’s inability to win duels, control second balls, or maintain momentum in the game.
He felt that the side looked young and unprepared at times. The manager said the team got what it deserved for its poor performance. He noted that even if they had won on penalties, it would not have fixed the underlying issues.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday said the team lacked style, desire, movement, tackles, shots, and control over the full 120 minutes. Halliday added that the questions would soon be directed at McInnes for this result. He questioned how the team had prepared, especially after having a full week to get ready.
Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson said the team managed only one shot on target in 120 minutes. Thompson noted that McInnes was visibly frustrated by what he saw. He observed that the manager tried various tactics to improve performance but none seemed to work.
BBC Scotland chief sportswriter Tom English described the team as passive and lacking energy throughout the match. He said there was no sign of effort or encouragement from any player to turn the game around. English added that the players all went down with the ship rather than trying to lift it.
He suggested that McInnes was now questioning whether his approach and investments were effective.
IMAGE: Rangers Eliminated From Europe After Penalty Shootout Defeat DNR Art Department