Jablonec manager Lubos Kozel praised the “fantastic” character of his players after they knocked Rangers out of Europe and secured their place in the UEFA Conference League’s league phase.
The Czech side completed a memorable night at Strelnice by overcoming Derek McInnes' Rangers on penalties, with Kozel insisting his team had followed its game plan and deserved to progress.
Kozel was applauded by the Czech media as he entered the press room following the result and was quick to underline his pride in his players.
“We are incredibly happy and proud of our team. We did what we said we would do, and on top of that we played football and pressed,” he explained.
“The visitors didn't have to rush anywhere, they thought they would manage it. But fortune favours the brave.”
Jablonec had opportunities during the match, including a clear opening for Lamin in the first half, before eventually finding the breakthrough through Vakh.
Kozel admitted his side have struggled in the final third but was delighted with the way they continued to take the game to Rangers.
“We know that the final phase is currently troubling us, but we already created a clear chance in the first half through Lamin Jawo, which we didn't convert,” he revealed.
“We continued with our performance and eventually scored through Vakh. After that the game became a little more even, but I don't think we even allowed Rangers into a clear-cut chance.”
Jablonec had mental edge on Rangers
As the match moved towards the end of extra time, Jablonec began to tire, with Kozel acknowledging that penalties had become increasingly likely.
But when the shootout arrived, the Czech manager believed his players had the crucial psychological edge.
“We were running out of strength at the end of extra time. We were just trying to see it out and everything was heading towards penalties,” he said.
“Maybe we wanted it more in the penalties. It worked out, everything came together.
“I'm also happy with the way we played, because it was football. We were better than Rangers. I appreciate it immensely.”
The victory means Jablonec will now take their place in the Conference League’s final phase, completing what Kozel described as the more difficult route after their disappointing end to the previous campaign.
“We ultimately went through the more difficult route. After the disappointing end to last season, we started again and created a team that pulls together,” he said.
“Now beautiful matches await us and a very difficult autumn. But those are exactly the matches we want to play.
“For the club it is also important from an economic point of view.
“I was probably more nervous at the end of the game. I was afraid of some stupid goal.
“During the penalties I was already telling the boys to stay calm and not be nervous. The mindset has to be positive.”.
Their reward is a place in the Conference League league phase, while Rangers are left to contemplate a European campaign that ended before it truly began for the first time in almost a decade.
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