"I asked the players to show pride, commitment, attitude and character and they did but we couldn't cope with the World Cup winners, international players and players from Real Madrid," said the Baggies boss.
"We had a little bit of a struggle, our passing was not good enough, our defending was not good enough, our finishing was not good enough.
"When we started the season we could go to places like Manchester United and sit deep and try to get a point but now we have to go for a win, to push forward and that leaves gaps for people like Juninho to go play in.
"We have to win all our remaining games and that's an almighty task given we have only won five matches in the league all season.''
MIDDLESBROUGH MATCH REPORT