Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne insists his side will have to be at their attacking best to break down a Rochdale rearguard which is improving with each game that passes in League One.
Dale have gone without conceding in their last five outings in league and cup competitions and Warne believes Saturday’s opponents are currently in a false position in the third tier, ahead of the weekend’s visit to Spotland.
“I know that we're going to have to be really patient if we're to break them down and we've watched their last three games and have massive respect for what he [Keith Hill] has done there and what he is doing there because they are a very good team,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“They haven't conceded a goal in the last five games and that at any standard is impressive.
“Since they have changed their goalkeeper, they haven't conceded in five games and defensively they're very sound. If we're to come away with the points there, and in the ideal world it would be three points, it's going to be really hard to break them down.
“I don't regard Rochdale as one of the bottom clubs and I think they will finish in the top 10.”
The Millers manager also placed on record his testament to the manager who will take up position in the opposing dugout this weekend, explaining that Rochdale are not to be underestimated despite the current standings in the third tier.
“He's done brilliantly there. Obviously on the back of that he went to Barnsley and went back again,” Warne continued.
“He's highly thought of there and he's been there for a long while, which is a good thing from my point of view.
“He has done really well and the club always compete in League One. They're always there or thereabouts and I saw them play last year against Bury and they were very good.
“They're a better footballing side than many people would think.”