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READ | Paul Warne's pre-Wycombe press highlights

25 October 2019

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Rotherham United boss Paul Warne spoke to iFollow Millers ahead of this weekend's hosting of Wycombe Wanderers in Sky Bet League One...

He discussed the impressive victory away to high-flying Ipswich Town, the decision to alter tactics slightly at Portman Road, injury news ahead of Wycombe and what to expect against the Chairboys at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. 

Full video content available HERE on iFollow Millers…

 

Warne on the win at Ipswich...

"It was probably our most complete performance of the season so far. I think we've had parts in loads of games and we've been good for halves, but it was a much better display than the one at Blackpool.

"I wasn't over the moon with the way we played at Bloomfield Road although we won, but I know that's what football is all about. 
 
"From the amount of work that we put into the players and the information we give them, we know how good they can be. Even when you win but don't perform well it isn't so sweet, whereas it was at Ipswich due to the fact it was the best we've played.
 
"All our big players stood up which helps of course and the lads that came off the bench had a positive impact too. Taking into account the opposition as well and the size of the crowd, it makes victory taste even better."
 
Warne on thrusting Trevor Clarke and Matt Olosunde forward...
 
"Both can play one up so it wasn't a big deal, but if it hadn't have worked we would've been under criticism. However, it did work so we will get credit for that decision.
 
"Every call we make is considered because we watch the opposition for hours, we know our own squad incredibly well and we work hard all of the time. 
 
"It worked a treat and the performances out of possession from both of the wide men was really impressive too. You may win a game because of what you do with the ball, but a major part is also stopping your opponents - it was complete in that respect.
 
"The standard has been set but each winger brings something different to the table. When Chieo (Ogbene) came on he was excellent with his directness, and Jake Hastie is a massive threat as well. It's good to have options."
 
Warne provides a fitness update ahead of this weekend's fixture...
 
"The major issues are Matt Olosunde and Joe Mattock, whilst everyone else has the usual aches and pains. I'm hopeful that they'll all be fit, but we won't be doing a lot today (Thursday) on the grass. 
 
"Kyle Vassell tweaked his calf during his rehab after a hamstring problem, but he came back from that initially. Then in Monday's training session where he was brilliant, he felt his calf tighten up again so we've had that scanned and he has some damage in there.
 
"That will be three weeks minimum until he's back fit which is a massive blow for us, but I feel for him because he's worked really hard to get back in the team. It's been a frustrating start for him, but the support staff are great and they'll get him in good shape.
 
"I don't think Clark Robertson will be involved this weekend either because we want to give him enough time to fully recover. He does feel better so I'm hopeful that he can return to training next week, but we need to get it right."
 
Warne on the test that Wycombe will provide...
 
"They don't concede many goals that's a fact, and I think they've got one of the best home records in the league, but they are very organised side who are deadly on free-kicks which has the potential to be a problem.
 
"Abebayo Akinfenwa causes issues up top and they get around him with willing runners so they're very effective at what they do, hence why they are where they are in the league. You don't get there by accident. 
 
"I think Wycombe will be in the top six at the end of the season and they've just been taken over so the place is buzzing. They've kept their manager despite him seeming to be linked to every job going, so it's a real positive setting at the moment and they'll have plenty of belief. 
 
"That spirit is better than ability in my opinion, so it will be a really tough game for us. They've had a great start and they trust in their manager and the way they're playing, so that has propelled into the season they've had so far."
 
Warne on Gareth Ainsworth and the job he has done at Adams Park...
 
"He's doing a really good job and, more fundamentally, he's a great person too so it's nice to see the good guys do well in football. 
 
"Gareth has done it in his own way which is pretty unique and he's got that affiliation with the club who have done well to keep hold of him for as long as they have. I'm sure that he'll have a long and prosperous career in football management and he seems to enjoy it."
 
Warne reflects on the FA Cup draw...
 
"It's a difficult tie for us. I played non-league for years so I know what it would be like to get a Football League team in the cup and get as far as Maidenhead have.
 
"We had somebody go to watch their replay against Wealdstone on Tuesday night and Richie Barker will go down to their game next week, but it's going to be a tough game because they'll be the underdogs, no disrespect intended.
 
"They'll have nothing to lose in front of their own fans and it will be a great atmosphere I'm sure, so that will probably give their players an extra 10 per cent. We will definitely have to start the afternoon well."
 
 

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