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Embarrassed Alex Rae slates Rangers for Europa League ‘shambles’
ALEX RAE branded Rangers a “shambles” after they crashed out of the Europa League to Luxembourg minnows Progres tonight.
Rangers knocked out of Europa League by Luxembourg minnows
Goals from Emmanuel Francoise and Sebastian Thill saw Progress stun the Scottish giants 2-1 on aggregate in the Europa League first qualifying round.
Gers struggled to break down their opponents in the first leg at Ibrox last week, labouring to a 1-0 win.
But their European adventure is already over and former Rangers midfielder Rae says questions will be asked.
“It was embarrassing. I was so frustrated watching the lack of quality and cohesion,” Rae said on BBC Sportsound.
“Overall it’s a shambles of a performance.
Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers are out of the Europa League
Rangers lost to Progres 2-1 on aggregate
Rangers must now focus on their domestic campaign
“It’s interesting because the actual scrutiny that will come under Pedro Caixinha’s reign will be ten-fold.
“Things behind the scenes in terms of investment, season tickets sales. All positive stuff. But this has set them back untold.”
Rangers qualified for Europe after finishing third in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Progres, meanwhile, finished fourth in Luxembourg’s top flight.
The defeat means Gers can forget about Europe for another season and will instead now focus on the Premiership.
Manager Caixinha has signed a host of new players this summer in the hope of closing the gap on Celtic.
Rangers legend Alex Rae says the defeat was a 'shambles'
Just wait until you’re in front of 50,000 at Ibrox in the coming weeks
But Rae is wary of the impact this defeat could have on the squad.
“The interesting thing is how they will react to this. They’ll have a couple of weeks to get all the boys in, they have to get Alves back sooner rather than later,” Rae added.
“The manner they gave away the goals was so cheap. It was really really poor. A ball into the box you don’t defend properly.
“If they think (it’s tough) playing in front of 5,000 today - just wait until you’re in front of 50,000 at Ibrox in the coming weeks.
“The pressure will come on. They will need results.
“All the things off the park is nice and positive, getting momentum going. But unless they get it right on the pitch that means nothing.”
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