McInnes blames himself for Rangers’ embarrassing Conference League exit

After Rangers’ 3‑1 aggregate loss to Czech club Jablonec in the UEFA Conference League, manager Derek McInnes took full responsibility for the defeat, calling it an embarrassing exit for the club.

McInnes said the team had not performed to the standards expected in Europe and that he would be accountable for the outcome. He acknowledged that the result fell short of the club’s ambitions and that it was a moment of disappointment for players and supporters alike.

The elimination came after a two‑leg tie in which Rangers were unable to overcome a deficit. The club had entered the competition with hopes of progressing to the group stage, but the aggregate score left them out of the tournament.

Supporters reacted with frustration, pointing out the lack of quality and the missed opportunities that led to the exit. The loss has sparked debate about the club’s European strategy and squad depth.

Looking ahead, Rangers will shift focus to domestic competitions. The team has several Scottish Premiership fixtures remaining, and the club’s priority will be to secure a strong league position while preparing for the upcoming Scottish Cup matches.

McInnes has pledged to learn from the experience and to work with the squad to improve performance levels. He emphasized that the club will remain committed to competing in Europe, but that a more disciplined approach will be required to achieve success in future campaigns.