'Mortified' McInnes takes blame for Rangers' European exit

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has taken personal responsibility for his side's European elimination following a defeat away in the Czech Republic. The numbers reflect his frustration: over the 120 minutes, Rangers held just over 46% possession and managed only one shot on target. The team won fewer than 70% of their 16 tackles and committed 17 fouls.

McInnes said his side could not accept losing so many individual duels and second balls, or failing to build any momentum. He admitted the team looked young and inexperienced, adding that the club is working on signings to address that. He said even a penalty-shootout win would only have papered over deeper problems, describing the overall display as mortifying.

Recent form

Before this defeat, Rangers had won their previous two matches — a 5-1 League Cup win over St Mirren and a 1-0 victory over Jablonec at Ibrox — following an opening-weeks stretch that included a draw at Dundee United and a home loss to Hibernian. McInnes confirmed no bid has yet arrived for absent midfielder Nico Raskin, and warned this result could set the team back just as they were seeking confidence.

Reaction from pundits

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday said the team showed no style, desire, movement or defensive effort, comparing the loss to some of the club's worst historic European defeats. Former striker Steven Thompson pointed to the single shot on target as proof of the side's lack of threat, noting no player stepped up to lead when things went wrong. BBC Scotland's Tom English observed that nobody on the pitch tried to rally teammates, with the whole team appearing passive throughout.