OLIVER MINTZLAFF has refused to point the finger of blame at misfiring striker Christopher Nkunku following the Europa League clash with Rangers.
RB Leipzig will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the semi-final fixture next week after Angelino netted a late winner on Thursday night.
But Rangers are still very much in the tie after an encouraging showing at the Red Bull Arena as they bid to clinch a final spot in Seville.
Striker Nkunku missed a glaring chance in the second half as he rounded keeper Allan McGregor and ballooned an effort high and wide with the goal gaping.
It was the worst moment of a low-key performance from the highly-rated forward but sporting chief Mintzlaff won't hold the miss against Nkunku ahead of the defining Ibrox showdown.
Mintzlaff said: "When you have half a foot in the final, of course you want to win the whole thing. It will be a really tough task in Glasgow, but we want to book our place in the final.
"We’re pleased to have kept the clean sheet and got the goal at the end. But it wasn’t a brilliant performance from us and we made hard work of it. We didn’t get in behind the defensive line very often.
"Christopher Nkunku is having a fantastic season with us. I don’t criticise him for not taking some chances tonight.
"Without him, we wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t be in this great run of form in the Bundesliga which has given us the chance to qualify for the Champions League again."
