Manager Lee Johnson admitted his side was second best for large parts of last night's 0-3 defeat to Middlesbrough.
Luke Williams, Grant Leadbitter and Kike scored the goals for the visitors to end Latics' Capital One Cup progression at the first round stage.Speaking about the defeat, Johnson said: "We were outfought, outthought and did not get going. Their composure on the ball and pressing was good and we didn't quite get to grips with it.
"I was disappointed with three or four of our players but it's a real good learning curve for them lads because when you feel yourself against Championship opposition and get outplayed, we can certainly see that there is improvement to be made to get to that level."
The manager looked for positives from the game and believed his players can benefit from some of the experienced 'Boro players.
"We have got players to come back in but they are a good team. Jonathan Woodgate is a top player and Clarke-Harris is a young player but we should be learning from those sorts of players. We should be watching the videos, looking at their movements and learning from their play," the boss commented.
"Winchester kept hold of the ball really well and Dayton came on and give us energy. I did think we had a little spell where we got our game going and that's what I asked for minimum at half time because it's important to get our game going on Saturday."
Latics are back at SportsDirect.com Park on Saturday for the visit of Leyton Orient and the 33-year-old is expecting a response from his players.
"I don't think we should be downheated going into Saturday because it's our division and our level so we should be imposing then," said Johnson.
Watch the full interview on Latics Player.