NafisaRangers may have secured a precious 1-0 victory over Jablonec at Ibrox, but the result came with a major headache that Derek McInnes will have to address before the return leg.
Ryan Naderi’s second-half strike was enough to give Rangers the advantage in their Conference League play-off, but the final stages became extremely uncomfortable after substitute Cammy Devlin was sent off.
Devlin had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes when his challenge on Jiri Slama resulted in a straight red card following a VAR review. The initial reaction inside Ibrox was one of confusion, with Devlin seemingly expecting the incident to result in a Rangers penalty rather than his own dismissal.
McInnes, however, had a surprisingly clear view of the incident.
And his verdict was not what some Rangers supporters might have expected.
McInnes has no complaints over Devlin dismissal
The Rangers boss admitted that his first thought was actually that his own team had been awarded a penalty.
But after seeing the incident again, McInnes accepted that the referee’s decision was correct.
«“At first, I thought it was going to be a penalty to Rangers. But there is no debate about the decision. Devlin was trying to buy the foul.”»
He then went even further.
«“When you see the stills, it looks a red card all day long. It was far from ideal.”»
That is a remarkably blunt assessment from the Rangers manager, particularly after his side had been forced to spend the closing stages protecting a one-goal lead with ten men.
The decision means Devlin will now miss the second leg in the Czech Republic, leaving McInnes without one of his midfield options for a game that could decide Rangers’ European fate.
Rangers made hard work of the victory
The red card overshadowed what was already a frustrating evening for Rangers.
The Ibrox side struggled to break down Jablonec during the first half and were booed at the interval, before producing a much-improved second-half display.
Naderi eventually broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, finishing from close range after Dan Neil and Daisuke Yokota combined to create the opportunity. Rangers then had chances to extend their advantage but could not find the second goal.
Instead, the match became a test of discipline and resilience.
Devlin’s dismissal made that test even harder.
Jablonec were unable to find an equaliser, allowing Rangers to take a narrow lead into next week’s return fixture.
But McInnes knows his team cannot afford another lapse in discipline.
McInnes sends warning ahead of second leg
The Rangers boss immediately turned his attention towards the return fixture.
He wants his players to take the improvements from the second half into the next game — but he also knows they have to keep their heads.
«“We need to take the good from the second half into the second leg.”»
Then came the warning:
«“It is important that we keep 11 men on the park.”»
That comment will inevitably be viewed in the context of Devlin’s dismissal.
Rangers were fortunate that Jablonec failed to punish them after going down to ten men, and McInnes will know that another European opponent could be considerably more ruthless.
The first-leg result leaves Rangers with only a slender advantage.
The manager still wants more from Rangers
Despite the victory, McInnes was not prepared to pretend everything was suddenly fixed.
The Rangers boss admitted there remains considerable work to do, both on the pitch and within his squad.
«“There is still loads of work to do. We have to try to win while searching for those improvements.”»
He also made it clear that he wants more from his players despite being pleased with their attitude.
«“I’m pleased with the enthusiasm, but I need more from the players.”»
That is perhaps the clearest indication yet of McInnes’ assessment of Rangers’ current level.
The 1-0 win is valuable, especially after their Europa League qualifying disappointment against Jagiellonia, but the manager knows his team must improve if they are to progress further in Europe.
More Rangers signings expected
McInnes also remains confident that further additions will arrive before the transfer window closes.
Rangers have already been busy this summer, but the manager believes additional recruitment can raise the standard within his squad.
«“We will get them; I am sure about that. Those improvements will make a big difference.”»
For now, though, the immediate priority is getting through the second leg.
Rangers have the advantage, but it is only 1-0.
They will also travel without Devlin after his dismissal, while McInnes has demanded greater discipline and a higher level of performance from his players.
The manager’s verdict on Devlin was unequivocal: he believes there was no argument whatsoever with the red card.
And after surviving the final stages at Ibrox with ten men, Rangers will need to make sure they do not give Jablonec another opportunity to turn the tie around in the Czech Republic.
Nafisa
