Neil Redfearn post Leeds...
Rotherham United manager Neil Redfearn admitted that his side need to be more ruthless in front of goal after a narrow defeat to Leeds United in the FA Cup.
The Millers exited the competition after a wonder strike from Mustapha Carayol and a late second from Souleymane Doukara in a close encounter in West Yorkshire.
Despite matching the hosts for long periods, the Millers couldn’t find a way through, but boss Redfearn admitted he was pleased with his side’s performance despite the result.
“The first goal probably came in Leeds’ best spell in the first half,” Redfearn said after the game.
“They had 10 minutes just before half time but up until then I would say we were probably the better of the two sides if I’m honest. We didn’t really create enough in that spell but we were the better footballing side.
“The first goal is a fantastic strike and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. We got back on top again and were in the ascendency for most of the second half and I’m just a little bit disappointed we didn’t create more in front of goal.
“As a performance I’m pleased with it. We’ve come to Leeds twice now and there’s been nothing between the sides and to compete and match them in two games against a big club is good for us. It’s disappointing with the result but we have to move on now because we have a big game with Brighton on Tuesday night.
“We just lacked the final ball and that bit of quality. I have to be pleased with the application, the way we worked and how we closed down.
“The little mistakes are disappointing because what it does is undo our good work, and 2-0 flattered Leeds a little bit today, although I probably thought that they deserved to go through.”
Redfearn gave a debut to central defender Aïmen Belaïd after he completed his switch from Levski Sofia yesterday, and he was pleased with the Tunisian international’s contribution.
“I thought he did well, particularly in the first half,” Redfearn continued.
“He has got pace, you can see that and he plays out of trouble and he used the ball well. He intercepted things and stepped in and won his headers, he is a naturally left footed centre back and I thought he played well.
“It gives Broady that chance now to step in and attack things and that is important. I thought the whole of the back four played well, we limited them to flurries around the box. They had one or two skirmishes in the first half but didn’t really create anything clear cut.
“The more that you can settle your 11 down and have it balanced the better, because people start getting used to one and another’s games and how each other play. The best sides play together, and it is consistent. We have to try and be consistent now in our run in until the end of the season.”