Mark Warburton watched his Rangers side being taught a lesson by RB Leipzig – then said his players must aspire to be playing at that level every season.
The Bundesliga side ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in the friendly at a snowy Red Bull Arena.
And Warburton said it was imperative his charges learned from the experience as “this club cannot afford not to be at a European table”.
The Ibrox men are on course for a return to Europe next season but were soundly beaten by their hosts for whom Scottish international Oliver Burke was on the scoresheet.
(Photo: Daily Record)
(Photo: Daily Record)
Rangers were second best for the vast majority of the match and Warburton was particularly unhappy with the manner of the goals conceded.
Afterwards he told RangersTV : “We knew what we faced today and we have to aspire for this club to be back at this level.
“There is no point in playing meaningless friendlies against sub-standard opposition – we have to go and challenge ourselves and you have to learn every time you play those games.
“Everyone learns from these games – and we have to recognise we gave goals away from us having possession, and our final ball wasn’t good enough.
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“We never threatened and they got into their positions and they hurt us. It’s too easy to say, ‘that’s because they’re on X grand a week’ – this club cannot afford not to be at a European table.
“We have to keep pushing the club forward, take these tough games and use the experience and be better for them.”