Paul Warne post West Brom...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne says that the 4-0 defeat his side suffered against high-flying West Bromwich Albion won’t define their season, explaining that there were positives to take from the game despite the scoreline.
A Dwight Gayle hat-trick and a goal from Harvey Barnes condemned the Millers to a rare home defeat against a side littered with quality and hoping for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Following the match, Warne reflected on the positives from the game, whilst admitting that he understands that the result should still be taken into consideration.
“My reaction is what I knew before the game, individually and collectively they're a very, very strong side,” he explained.
“They are probably the strongest side we have played here this season. I wasn't disappointed with our performance, which might surprise a few fans.
“I thought we set up as well as we could and tactically we were pretty sound but they are what they are and there's no point pretending otherwise. I'm not ignoring it's a 4-0 defeat but this won't define our season. The other games are big for us and we'll pick the lads up.
“I thought the lads gave everything, we made errors, I understand that but it was the old case of 'goals change games' and they did.”
Warne pointed to the clinical nature of the Baggies’ performance which undid a promising start for his side at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
“I thought we started the game quite well, they were always going to have quite a lot of possession and they've got a lot of movement too,” he continued.
“I just think that they were more clinical than us. I think we had more attempts on goal than them and generally, but they've got that little bit of x-factor.
“Obviously it's a scoreline business but from a performance point of view I was proud of the lads but disappointed to take a 4-0 defeat.
“Goals change games and we need to get the first goal to give the lads a bit of confidence.
“Today we missed a penalty and hit the post but when they hit the post it came back to them and they scored. We had one cleared off the line, there was a header cleared off the line from Smudge second half and overall, for the performance, can I ask the lads to give me much more? No, I don't think I could.
“I thought there were some outstanding performances today, I thought Robertson was a different gravy, young Zak Vyner had a good game at right back, as did Joe Mattock to be fair. He had to come off with a little injury so hopefully he'll be okay but there was really good stuff.”