Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United interim manager Paul Warne has urged his players to play each game like it’s their last, as they step up preparations for a double header at home against Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion.The Millers are set to host two of the Sky Bet Championship’s heavyweights in Saturday and Tuesday fixtures over the coming days and Warne explains that he has reiterated the importance of each fixture between now and the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
“I lecture the lads a lot about legacy and say to them, that if it is the last game of their career what would the Rotherham fans talk about when they leave the stadium,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I want them to play like that, like it's their last game and like it's a cup final.
“They are massive games and they're big for the fans, I just so hope the lads can give them a performance they can be happy with.”
With a resurgent Aston Villa side first on the agenda, the caretaker manager is looking forward to the challenge of locking horns with the former Premier League club, and insists his minimum expectation is to show the fans what they are capable of.
“I can't guarantee results but I like to think I can guarantee a level of effort and I'll set out a team to perform in both games,” Warne added.
“I want them to perform to a level and I want them to go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league. If that means it gives us a good run until the end of the season, then great
“I think a lot of them have got a lot to prove and I think the fans have been really patient with the lads and been supportive and I'd like to give them something back.”
Warne also took time to praise the contribution of the Roterham United faithful and has encouraged them to show their usual level of support as his side look to defy the odds over the next two games at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“In an ideal world where I have hair and unlimited coffee, we'd win both games comfortably but I'm well-aware of the task ahead and you need that little bit of luck,” he continued.
“I need the fans to get behind the team because when they do it has a massive effect, so if you're reading this and are coming Saturday or Tuesday, get behind the lads."