Ronan Finn insists Shamrock Rovers have no intention of ‘downing tools’ in Europe but stressed how sticking to the domestic plan takes priority.
The Hoops were easily picked apart by Molde on Thursday, losing 3-0 away from home for the second group game running.
And it leaves the Irish champions bottom-of-the-table and facing an uphill task with home games against Molde and Gent to come before a trip to Djurgardens.
READ MORE: Shamrock Rovers apply to join WNL, make Premier Division managerial appointment
There was mixed reaction among the 92 travelling supporters in Norway about what unfolded at Aker Stadion as Stephen Bradley benched key players.
Some accepted his point of view afterwards that retaining the league title takes on paramount importance ahead of tomorrow’s derby clash with Shelbourne.
But others were extremely annoyed at the lacklustre display with Molde reeling off 26 attempts on goal while the Hoops failed to register a single shot on target.
Rovers changed their approach by deploying a low block but Molde picked holes for fun and the Hoops, hemmed in their own half for most of the game, were badly exposed.
Skipper Finn said: “It was a tough night. They’re a good side and we knew that. We set up to try and limit them because we knew their threats.
“We got a few blocks but we were undone by a top side. You’re looking at trying to limit their threats but it was difficult.
“They dominated the ball but we couldn’t get a foothold in the game. I suppose that’s the difference at top level European football.
“From playing your domestic games to playing European football, you need to raise the standard and ultimately they showed their quality.”
Molde are also going for a league but while Rovers have a five-point cushion over Derry with five games to go, the Norwegians have a 15-point lead with six games left.
Finn accepts that fans have different views on whether it’s right or wrong to prioritise domestic games in the middle of a European group stage campaign.
“That’s up for debate,” he said. “We’ve got a squad here and the manager picks a team to win the game.
“He wants to get points and we want to qualify from the group. The incentive and approach is always to go into a game and get a result.
“We’ve a big squad and the manager trusts the squad. But that’s the nature of the beast, that’s the nature of top level football.
“You know you’ve got a match tomorrow and it’s about trying to find a balance. It’s a very quick turnaround and we’ve a massive game tomorrow.
“Equally, we want to qualify in Europe and that’s the ambition but unfortunately we were undone by a very good side on Thursday night.”
But Finn continued: “It has always been the plan for the club to retain the league title because it’s something that we’re very proud of the last few years.
“We want to defend it. Derry are pushing us and they’re a really top side as well. That’s why you have a big squad, you try and balance it out as best you can.
“You never go into a game with the mindset that you’re downing tools, you’re not, you’re going to win the game.
“We want to be competitive in Europe and see where it takes us, take it to the last game of the group and who knows?
“But ultimately we want our league title, we want to defend it. It's up to us to make sure we look after our own domestic matters. It’s our title but we have to fight for it.”
READ NEXT:
Euro fixtures published: Racing-Leinster venue switch and date for O'Gara's champs Belfast trip
Nottingham Forest hand Steve Cooper new contract despite sack talk
Andrew Porter: Leinster's pack are a different proposition now
Colm O'Rourke says he pushed forward his retirement to focus fully on Meath job
Bealham groovy as Connacht relish vital home tie with Munster
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alert
