Rangers defender Max Aarons has admitted that his side “were simply not good enough” after their Europa League setback against Austrian outfit Sturm Graz, a defeat that leaves the Glasgow club facing serious questions about their European campaign.
The Ibrox side traveled to Graz with hopes of consolidating their position in Group E but instead endured a frustrating evening, falling to a 2-1 loss against the Austrian Bundesliga side. Aarons, who joined Rangers in the summer to strengthen the defensive line, confessed that the team’s performance fell far below the standard required for European competition.
Speaking after the match, the 24-year-old right-back did not hold back. “We can’t hide from what happened tonight,” Aarons said. “Sturm Graz wanted it more in crucial moments. We lost focus, we lost battles, and at this level, that gets punished. If we want to progress in Europe, we need to take a hard look at ourselves.”
Rangers had taken the lead early in the first half through a well-worked move, but their defensive fragility was once again exposed as Sturm Graz equalised before the break. The second half saw the hosts grow in confidence, ultimately netting the winner with just under 20 minutes to go. Despite late pressure from Rangers, their efforts were thwarted by resolute defending and sharp goalkeeping.
Aarons’ candid admission has struck a chord with many supporters, who voiced their frustrations on social media following the final whistle. While some praised his honesty, others demanded a swift response from the squad ahead of their next group game at Ibrox.
Manager Philippe Clement echoed similar concerns, admitting his side lacked composure under pressure. “We showed quality in moments but not for 90 minutes,” he said. “At this level, inconsistency costs you points.”
The defeat leaves Rangers in a precarious position in their group, with qualification to the knockout stages now looking more complicated. With crucial fixtures still ahead, the team will need to regroup quickly and rediscover the resilience that carried them deep into Europe in recent years.
For Aarons, the message was clear: “We owe it to the fans, to the badge, and to ourselves to put this right. We can’t let one defeat define us, but we also can’t ignore it.”
