Q&A: What next for McInnes and Rangers after European exit?

Rangers lost to Jablonec on penalties in their Conference League play-off; it is the first time since 2017 they have failed to secure European football; they are five points behind Celtic in the Premiership after two games; watch Aberdeen vs Rangers on Sunday from 11am, live on Sky

Rangers are out of Europe entirely. They are five points behind league leaders Celtic. It is not even September.

The pressure on the squad and manager Derek McInnes has been cranked up at Ibrox.

He will take his new-look side to Pittodrie on Sunday to face former club Aberdeen next, live on Sky Sports.

The question is - can he get a reaction from a group of players who, by his own admission, are struggling, and what is going wrong at the club?

Manager Derek McInnes said he was "mortified" and "embarrassed" by their defeat to Jablonec. It's clear to see why.

Just ONE shot on target over 120 minutes. Less possession than their opponents. A team that looked devoid of ideas in attack and short of confidence at the back. That was all against a club who finished fifth in the Czech top flight last season. It should be no surprise that Sky Sports' Kris Boyd says this is an "all-time low".

McInnes took full responsibility for the result and admitted his players were "miles short" of where they need to be.

The reality is Rangers will not be involved in any form of European group stage football this season. The last time that happened was 2017.

Some fans will point their finger at the manager. Others will be critical of the players. The truth is, this defeat was a collective failure.

Following their 1-0 win in the first leg, Rangers had a full and clear week to prepare for this match, having requested their league game against St Mirren was postponed. McInnes even stuck with the same XI for the first time this season.

However, at half-time he made three changes - something we have seen before over this campaign.

Players were not performing how he wanted, and Rangers were struggling to get a foothold in the game. In fact, McInnes changed shape and personnel multiple times over the 120 minutes. The reality is, none of those tweaks worked.

He admitted afterwards his side doesn't look comfortable with the ball, doesn't look effective enough on the counter and are not happy when they go direct.