Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne believes his side will benefit from the psychological boost of their recent form which has seen them record three wins from their last four games.
The Millers manager leads his side into their final game of 2017 at Walsall on Saturday and says that he will be looking to harness the confidence within the camp to record another positive result at the Banks’s Stadium.
“Psychology is massive in sport and it's no different whatever level you're at,” Warne told www.themillers.co.uk.
“It is a massive thing and it's the same if you lose a few on the trot and go out thinking 'I don't want to lose' and when you win a few games you feel a little bit invincible.
“If we can send the lads out like that, you have to respect the opposition, but we will set up to win the game like we did at Bury. We are going there to pick up three points and the max from every game we play in.”
Warne was also quick to place on record his admiration for the Saddlers’ coaching staff and the way they have their team playing ahead of the trip on 30th December but is hopeful that the previous encounter at AESSEAL New York Stadium will help his side find ways to break down their hosts this weekend.
“I think they do really well at home and I like the way they play,” he continued.
“I really like the coaching staff and I'm still friendly with Ian Sharps and a few others.
“We know their threats and we're all aware of their players. When we have the meetings with the players to tell them their strengths and weaknesses with it being the second time we've played them, the lads are more aware of it.
“We're not going into it too blind and we've watched their last game and looked at how we think we can break them down.”
With the festive fixtures continuing to come thick and fast Warne confesses he may be forced into freshening up his pack but is keen to keep together the group which has performed so admirably in recent outings.
“I'm not so sure. I do like rewarding excellence as I've said and I do like trying to keep the team together, but I also like my 11 lads to run and run hard, so I'll have another look at them in training and as long as they look fresh and I don't have to make a change I won't,” Warne explained.
“If you're a winger and you play with the same full back and vice-versa it helps. That's the same with the forward partnerships but what really helps them build relationships and bonds is winning.
“Winning football matches you believe in each other and that's a massive part of it and I think at the moment the lads have defended really well at Bury and in the game before and they have a lot more belief in each other.
“I'm hopeful that I don't have to make many changes but with the game at Walsall and then Blackburn two days later that's probably going to force my hand a little bit.”