Danny Rohl insists Rangers are on the right track despite ending their dismal Europa League campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Porto in the Estadio do Dragao.
Djeidi Gassama headed the Light Blues in front after just six minutes of a dead rubber as far as the visitors were concerned and the Light Blues looked assured.
However, they crumbled before the break and goals from teenager Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura – after Gers skipper James Tavernier and goalkeeper Jack Butland collided – and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal turned the contest around.
The Govan club finished the night in 32nd place out of 36 teams with just four points but Rohl insists it was far better performance than his first Europa League fixture after taking over from Russell Martin in October, a 3-0 defeat to Brann in Bergen where he apologised to the Light Blues fans afterwards.
The German boss said: “After 20 minutes, I felt we were really in a good way.
“But then I think 1-1, it happens against the strong teams, it is one moment too late, it happens.
“But I’m disappointed at 2-1, too easy in this case after a 40-metre ball (into the box), then a little bit unlucky I think at the end, (3-1) it is an own goal from a set-play where we know they are strong.
“In general, we played against a strong side, very experienced, good individual quality, very (well) coached, a good manager.
“But I compare this game to the Bergen game. I see a massive, massive step forward.
“It’s still not good enough at the moment. We have to improve in the future, especially in this competition.
“But when I see us go to Porto, be on the front foot, try something in possession, counter-pressing, in general, I’m so proud of the development, especially in Europe, and this is where we can work on.
“I said to my players, I will not speak again about this game.
“I am fully focused now on the league. We have a mission, we have a way, and for this, we need all our energy now.”
It was a first defeat in nine games for the Ibrox side who travel to Hibernian in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday, looking to keep the pressure on leaders Hearts who are four points ahead.
Rohl said: “For me, it’s now the next game, Hibs, a completely different game against a team who will fight, who will be nasty.
“It’s a different challenge, but we have to ready for this and I see at this moment a team who really knows what I want and this is fantastic.”
