Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate admitted Chelsea took full advantage of his side's naivety in Saturday's 5-0 defeat at the Riverside.

Boro fielded a back four with an average age of 23 and Southgate conceded his side were unable to cope with the Londoners' nous and quality.

"We looked a young and inexperienced team at the end and that's exactly what we are," he told BBC Tees.

"Their class has taken advantage of that and we have to respond this week."

He added: "We were on the back foot and against Chelsea we have to be on the front foot.

"They're a class team and as well as you try and press them and chase they can knock the ball and keep the ball around you.

"But we were poor and when we had possession we didn't do the things we were capable of doing, even with the players we were missing."

606: DEBATE We were stuffed because we were so shocking that it is embarrassing! Boro_1992

And even though the former England international missed that particular defeat through injury, Southgate is determined to ensure the young players on duty on Saturday are able to learn positively from the defeat.

"It's a horrible experience for everybody, but for any of us who think we've made it as players then there's the harshest lesson possible," he said.

"That's what you have to aspire to to be the very best and sometimes humbling experiences stay with players.

"They get a reality check of how much hard work lies ahead for us."

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