It had been some 15 years since the Hoops last competed with the elite of English football, but last season's npower Championship winners were unable to give themselves an early foothold as Bolton used all of their experience to record a 4-0 victory.
"We are going to get lessons, and have to learn them quickly," said Warnock.
"They are clever people in the Premier League. How long has (Bolton striker) Kevin Davies been in the Premier League? He has been a top player, a thorn in everybody's side and I love him.
"You do get cuter as you go along, and certain players have got a certain reputation of making more than what it is. You have got to try to learn quickly who you can do things (against) and who you can't.
"We have got to be less naive in certain situations, but all the three clubs who have come up are the same - we have to grow up quickly and look who you are playing against."
Rangers were also dealt a blow after just five minutes when midfielder Kieron Dyer, a summer signing from West Ham, was taken off with a foot injury. Warnock remains hopeful the former England man can soon be back in action after X-rays showed there was no broken metatarsal.
The former Sheffield United boss expects to be able to bring in a couple more new faces ahead before the transfer window shuts.
"All managers work within whatever restraints you have. The players we have signed have been excellent value for what we have got," he said.
"I would love two or three top players in the next fortnight. I am confident we will get them. If everything is sorted [with the takeover], I am sure the club can take a giant step towards staying up like we tried to plan from the word go."
Source: PA
Source: PA