Paul Warne post-SC Wiener Neustadt...
Rotherham United boss Paul Warne was satisfied with the output from his side’s second and final friendly in Austria, which saw the Millers overcome local side SC Wiener Neustadt 1-0 on Saturday.
Michael Smith’s solitary goal ensured that the Millers concluded their overseas training camp with a victory, in spite of the tired legs in camp from countless intense sessions throughout the week.
Warne was pleased with the test posed by the hosts in Austria and with the output of his players, who were once again forced to overcome the pain barrier as preparations step up once more for the 2018/19 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
“After a really tough week, we trained them hard Saturday morning as well so they weren't exactly match fresh,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“We wanted the lads to do it from a place of being a bit tired and a bit jaded because in the last 10 minutes of a game in the Championship that's what they're going to have to do, think when they're tired.
“It was a really good performance and we limited them to no shots on goal, although we had corners and other set pieces to defend.
“We knew they'd be a good possession-based team like a lot of the teams that we'll play in the Championship this year and we worked on what we'll do with and without the ball.
“The performances were really good. We got some more minutes into everybody and we got the 60 and 30 minute split as we wanted.”
Whilst Warne was pleased to have no new injury problems following the second fixture, he did admit that he is still looking to add to his squad before the big kick off on 4th August with a number of his current squad deputising in unfamiliar positions against SC Wiener Neustadt.
“It does show that we are a few bodies short and we ended the game with Fordey at right back and Willo playing centre mid,” he continued.
“That's not a problem because the lads can play in a number of different positions and they learn different parts of the game but we are looking forward to bringing some new faces in.
“There are no new injury worries. A couple of lads are obviously very tired but there's no injuries issues. As a workout for us, it was perfect.
“I knew it was going to be tough and we picked this opposition. They only lost in the Play-offs last year to stop them going into Austria's top flight. They've trained a couple of weeks more than us and they're technically very good, so for us as a test, I think the lads have come through it well.”
The tour allowed the Millers’ young professionals the opportunity to register some first team minutes in an attempt to catch the eye of manager Warne, who admitted he was impressed by the showings a number of performances.
“I thought Wilesy especially when he came on was excellent,” he added.
“They're all looking a little bit sharper and Smithy got a really good goal, a volley from the edge of the box early on in the game.
“JJ [Joshua Kayode] nearly got one late on and the 'keeper made a great save to deny Fordey from a free kick.”