Smith - No excuses

Rangers boss devastated by Euro exit

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 5th August 2008

Walter Smith Rangers

Smith: Euro woe

You can use whatever excuse you want, but the problem was we weren't good enough.

Walter Smith
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Rangers manager Walter Smith admits his side can have no excuses after dramatically crashing out of Europe to FBK Kaunas.

The Lithuanian outfit secured a late 2-1 aggregate victory over Smith's side in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League as Kevin Thomson's opener was cancelled out by Nerijus Radzius and a last-gasp header from former Hearts midfielder Linas Pilibaitis.

Smith steered Rangers to the Uefa Cup final last season, but the club now face a season without any further European football.

And while Smith admits it is a major disappointment to suffer European elimination and to miss out on the £10million reward which comes with Champions League qualification, he confesses that his side were second best to Kaunas.

Disappointment

"It is a huge disappointment," Smith told Sky Sports News. "But we didn't deserve any better. "We were never that comfortable at any stage.

"When you lose a goal so near the end, we can have no real complaints.

"We enjoyed the European run last season, but we're not going to get one this season.

"You can use whatever excuse you want, but the problem was we weren't good enough. We have to face that and get on with it.

Implications

"It is a blow in every aspect, the financial implications, and everything that comes with it."

Smith, who saw his side hammered 4-0 by Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at the weekend, also acknowledges that it is going to be difficult to raise morale ahead of Saturday's SPL opener at Falkirk.

"We have a job on our hands to pick everyone up for the start of the new season," added Smith.

"The championship is a long way away after a result like that."