Paul Warne talks to iFollow Millers ahead of the home clash against Bolton Wanderers...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of this Saturday's Sky Bet League One fixture against the Trotters at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Warne spoke to the club about the Doncaster Rovers defeat, the performances of Jake Hastie and Jamie Lindsay, how his squad are faring fitness-wise and the challenge of preparing for the Bolton game.
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Warne looks back on last weekend's South Yorkshire derby...
"I thought we were excellent for 60 minutes and it was probably the best first-half display we've put together so far this season, but we didn't maintain that.
"In fairness to Donny, they strengthened with their substitutions and they caused us different problems. That allowed them to get on top and we didn't answer every question they posed to us.
"Before we went there I knew Doncaster were a good team and they haven't lost yet this season, so I didn't expect an easy game. We were in the ascendancy first half and we definitely had enough chances from set pieces to win.
"That was my biggest disappointment really, that at 1-0 we didn't take another of our opportunities to score. We have to defend better, but we also have to finish our chances."
Warne on Jake Hastie's debut and Jamie Lindsay first league start...
"I thought Jake was really good and some of the balls he put into were unbelievable, that's why we brought him in. As a manager I like playing with wingers and we had to wait for the ones we really wanted, but Hastie down the right and Chieodozie Ogbene down the left would be the dream package for me.
"Unfortunately Chieo is out for a while, but Jake was really enthusiastic with his play and he'll go down the outside to get crosses in. From deep positions he drives inside too and he was a thorn in the opposition's side all afternoon.
"He was one of the outstanding performers, but I thought Jamie Lindsay was also excellent. People often forget that when we bring players in such as Will Vaulks and Semi Ajayi, who have obviously gone onto great things, they don't start out at full tilt in the first few months.
"It's going to take time to get these players to exactly where we want them to be, but they're a great bunch and they want to learn every day."
Warne keeping cool following his side's start to the season...
"We've gone into every game trying to win and all five we perhaps could've won, but we haven't for whatever reason. We've won two, but we conceded in the last minute to draw one which was a killer, so potentially we could've had three wins on the board.
"Lincoln caught us on a perfect storm really, and we probably deserved at least a draw against Doncaster last weekend. In all the matches we've been more than competitive and we should've got more points, so I'm disappointed that we haven't.
"However, there's a lot of games left so I don't think it's a massive drama. We do need to win games and fans turn up to watch the team be successful, so that's what everyone wants to see."
Warne on how his squad are looking prior to Bolton...
"Shaun MacDonald didn't train on Monday or Tuesday and he won't train today (Wednesday), but hopefully he can be involved with the squad on Thursday. It's a pity because I thought he was playing really well before he was forced off at Donny, but we're hopeful that he'll be fit.
"Julien Lamy isn't that close to a start yet but it was good to have him available at the weekend. He played in a behind-closed-doors fixture earlier this week, and that was his first game since the friendly against Parkgate.
"He needs two or three matches really to get up to speed, but he's getting fitter and stronger all of the time. We'll have to coach him out of possession, but he does a lot of good stuff on the ball.
"Chieo has a severe hamstring problem so we know he'll be missing for a few weeks, but Kyle Vassell should join back in next week which will be good.
!I'm also led to believe that Billy Jones will be joining in with passing drills and parts of the session on Thursday. Trevor Clarke is just putting muscle on but he's getting there too."
Warne on approaching an unknown quantity in the Trotters...
"It's a strange one and a difficult game for us because of what's happened there. It's great for Bolton that they've survived and signed nine or ten very good players.
"They came and watched us last week and they've had a fortnight to just prepare for this game so that will help them. There might be an element of rust, but what they lack in match sharpness will be made up by enthusiasm.
"The euphoria that will travel with them and all of the press coverage of that will give their players a massive boost and make the game a little harder for our lads, that accompanied by the fact we have absolutely no idea how they're going to play or what system they're going to use."
Warne full of praise for Keith Hill and David Flitcroft...
"I know Keith really well and I spent some time with him when I lived in Bolton. I've played against his teams before and I know he likes to play football and get the ball down.
"They've got 'Flitty' as number two who I also know incredibly well, and Mike Pollitt is virtually best mates with him, so we know what they're about.
"They're both football people and I think I'm right in saying they're Bolton supporters too, so it's an absolute dream job for them.
"There's nothing they won't do to help the club pick up points, and as a result I expect a motivated and organised footballing team - that's probably as much detail as I have."