Warburton says it was harsh lesson

From Back Page Oliver Burke were added to by a second-half double from Yussuf Poulsen as the Bundesliga cracks displayed a ruthless touch. While admitting Leipzig can afford a quality of player beyond Rangers’ reach, Warburton was still unhappy with his side’s display in front of 8,000 travelling fans. ‘The fans were incredible,’ said Warburton. ‘I have to thank them. But just 30 seconds into the game a pass went astray when we were in. That isn’t good enough. Then, in the latter stages there were balls from Martyn Waghorn and Michael O’Halloran that didn’t go to feet. Our final ball wasn’t good enough. ‘It’s too easy to say it’s the level of player and they are on X amount of money each week. ‘We got ourselves into good positions and we have to be better. When you give the ball away against that level of opposition you just run — and by the end of the game you’re dead on your feet. ‘We gave the ball away too cheaply. We have to take those challenges and the more games we play against teams at that level the better. We have got to get the club back into Europe. ‘They are one of the top teams in the Bundesliga and we know we have to be better. ‘We learned a lesson because when you give the ball away against teams like that you can spend the next five minutes running around chasing after it. ‘We have to be sharper, we have to be better. It was a difficult one because you go from games where you have 70-per-cent possession to that today. But we will learn. ‘You could go and play a meaningless friendly and win 5-0 — or you could take a match against a top team and go and challenge yourself. ‘We have to recognise that was the challenge we wanted. ‘We spoke about their counterattacks. They set the traps for you and they did it very well. Four, five or six men go on the triggers. And they hurt you. ‘Look at their physicality and their pace. They have obvious quality. They are a top team. ‘This was not a friendly game of football because against that level of opposition, you will get hurt if you don’t turn up and play.’ Jon Toral played the first half following his arrival on loan from Arsenal, before fellow newcomer Emerson Hyndman took over at the interval. ‘I think it was good for the new boys,’ added Warburton. ‘They have had a whirlwind week. ‘They have signed for the club, moved house, brought family from Spain and moving from Bournemouth. ‘It was good to get them pitch time. Jon Toral showed his quality in the first half. He is a very tidy, technical player on the ball. Emerson came in for the second half. It was a tough game to come into but he did well.’ Warburton confirmed Lee Wallace will be fit to face Motherwell in Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie after being left out in Leipzig following a hamstring strain. He also confirmed positive news on the shoulder injury Joe Garner suffered during the Old Firm defeat on Hogmanay. ‘Touch wood, it is good from the specialist on Joe,’ added Warburton. ‘We are hoping he will be two or three weeks away.’