The difference in quality opposition between La Liga and SPL is vast and obviously plays a part in the loss last night. I am not suggesting otherwise, but there’s nothing we can do about that, nor has it inhibited Scottish clubs from going on deep runs in Europe in the past, both us and oldco Rangers, and even Aberdeen if one wants to get in their way back machine.
But the premise that Valencia have a superior squad and we can’t compete with them is nonsense. Financially we’re on par with them and we have quality players who have done the business for us even in Europe in the past. It was only 2 years ago that we put 3 goals past a Man City team that was far superior to what we faced last night.
Losing last night hurt because it was a very winnable game for us. To suggest otherwise is to make excuses for what is otherwise a failure for those at the club to achieve their potential - whether that’s the players, the manager and coaches, or those in the board room.
I’m not here to throw stones at people in our own club. But I also refuse to accept excuses for losing an otherwise winnable game. Valencia won last night because they turned up last night with a good game plan and didn’t make mistakes. We lost because we did neither, not because we are inferior to them.