Michael Beale warns there is more to come from Rangers after the narrow 2-1 win over Servette.
The Ibrox side raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half before the Swiss side scored from the spot after VAR decided Cyriel Dessers had handled the ball in the box.
The Gers will face Servette in Geneva next week in the second leg, with the winner most likely coming up against Dutch giants PSV.
And the Rangers boss believes when the club’s NINE summer signings click, the performances will follow.
He said: “Yeah look, we’re never going to use it as an excuse, but the reality is that 13 or 14 players left and nine came in.
“Danilo has trained with his teammates four times; he had a pre-season which was all over the place because of this move.
“Jose (Cifuentes) has trained twice, Tom Lawrence is coming back, Kemar (Roofe) is a, back we’re not the sum of all parts right now but what I want to see is more forward running and more energy.”
Despite an evident lack of cohesion in the front three, the Englishman is still encouraged by the first glimpses of his new-look Rangers attack.
He continued: “It was an exciting front three, they are finding connections, they are trying really hard, I thought they pressed ever so well in the game.
“I think they will get better with it (time). You can see with Cyriel (Dessers) and Danilo they’re still getting up to full speed.
“We’re not going to use any excuses, that’s just the facts and situation. There’s been a lot of change in the football club, I think we’re set up well but I’d rather we just keep showing it on the pitch.”
Cyriel Dessers opened his Rangers account last night as he notched Rangers second goal of the evening.
The Nigerian forward echoed his managers post-match comments.
He added: “I came in later; I still need some time. This was like the first time I’ve played more than 60 minutes.
“Until 70 minutes I was good then I got a little sloppy, so that’s a thing to learn from and just to get more fitness.
“Overall, I think I had some really good moments, sometimes sloppy, but I think that’s all part of it.
“I’m happy with this performance and I know I’m going to grow as an individual but also in the team and connection with individuals, I’m confident of that.”
