A late Angelino goal gave RB Leipzig a 1-0 win over Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday night.
Rangers set up defensively but struggled to create opportunities up front with Giovanni van Bronckhorst choosing to put their only centre-forward option Fashion Sakala on the bench.
Hateley believes Rangers played better in the second half and admitted that before the game they would have taken a 1-0 deficit going into the second leg at Ibrox.
The former Rangers striker said on BBC Sportsound: “The second half was much better for Rangers, but their decision making was a bit iffy.
“I said before the game you’d take a one-goal deficit. The fans will take it heading home and can look forward to next week.”
However, the forward Gers star stressed that Rangers need to sort out their forward options as they were unable to build any attacking momentum due to a lack of a number 9 up front in Leipzig.
“I think what Rangers need to get sorted for the second leg is the number nine spot.
“Too much was breaking down and not enough ball was held in.
“There were not enough touches around the central striker.”
Alfredo Morelos is out for the season due to an injury, but Kemar Roofe is expected to be fit before Leipzig visit Ibrox next Thursday.
