Paul Warne post-Sheffield Wednesday...
Paul Warne addressed the media following his side’s 2-0 defeat in the South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday this evening.
Similar to Saturday’s loss, the Millers enjoyed better chances in the first half and should have taken the lead on more than one occasion.
Taylor and Morris had, arguably, the best chances of the opening half for the hosts but it was Wednesday who held a two-goal lead at the break, thanks to a brace from striker Steven Fletcher.
“I thought, first half, we were pretty good,” said Warne. “We were probably brighter than them and I was pleased with that. Unfortunately, I thought their first goal was offside. It was a bit of a game-changer for us. Nobody expected us to win, but our lads are psychologically damaged so to have a blow like that is harsh.
“Then we went 2-0 down. It’s a great cross and, to be fair, it’s an amazing header; it’s a harder chance than the one we missed.
“We miss and easier header and they score a harder one.
“I’m standing there on the side of the pitch thinking I’ve picked the best team I could have possibly picked. Tactically we were sound. I knew they threw it up with a different formation but our lads competed really well. It was an exciting first half. I went in at half time and showed them their best bits of the first half performance. I said don’t be downbeat.
“If I’m honest, after about 65 minutes I maybe made a tactical error. I went with three up and tried to go Jonno up the middle, Wardy on the left and Morris on the right. We were more like five in the middle because they pushed us back.
“That was regrettable but I did it for the right reasons and I changed it back to four-four-two.
“What I can say about this group is that they didn’t give up. Our performance in the second half wasn’t as good as the first. It got ugly. I was disappointed the midfielders went back to the defenders too much.
"Bannan had a free role and at times our spare men were our two central midfielders. It wasn't like they were coming through the middle, they were going longer to their target man and playing off them. In the first-half when we got on the ball we created some good opportunities. Taylor had a good chance, I thought we did okay and we defended pretty well. Fletcher did Darnell at the far stick, but it was a great header. They have obviously got class in their team and it told tonight.”
Finally, Warne was quizzed regarding the role of permanent Manager, with the Club expected to make a decision in the immediate future.
"I know there is a meeting of the Board tomorrow and that they are making their decision,” said Warne. “I know that if they came to me after that meeting I would be proud to do it. It is a difficult job, as I am well aware, I am not saying watching a team lose a derby is easy, but I said to the lads at half-time and after the game that I wouldn't walk away from them."