Rotherham United

Millers manager Paul Warne assessed his side’s display after a 3-1 defeat away to Coventry City.

Rotherham United had a mountain to climb having conceded twice in the first 12 minutes on what was certainly an ‘off-day’ for Warne and his men.

“It’s hugely disappointing,” said Warne. “We came into this off the back of two good performances, playing the same system. Robbo (Mark Robins) matched us up and, in fairness, in every department they were superior to us – which hurts me to say. But I just thought they got to the second balls quicker than we did, they got to the first contacts in both boxes better than we did. And they just were stronger and more physical, which I don’t like to say about my team. Today, we just weren’t at the races.

“I’m not trying to cover up a bad day. It was a bad. Their victory, even though we missed chances late on, could have been even greater. So it’s something we need to look at tomorrow as a group and then quickly adjust for Tuesday night.

“Well I always think energy is a big issue in team sport, but not at the start. I get it after 60 or 70 minutes and, in fairness, Robbo’s players have played the same amount as we have. So there’s no excuse there. I thought we started the game really well, we looked right in the ascendency then one ball causes confusion with my centre-halves and we just didn’t defend it. After that we’re on a rocky road.

“It’s not like us to be beaten up a little bit, but today it looked like we were.”

The Millers did threaten somewhat late on as Dan Barlaser blasted home his third penalty of the season after fellow substitute Kyle Vassell was upended by the goalkeeper.

“I was happy to get them in at half-time at just 2-0 because it could have been more,” continued Warne. “At the start of the second half there was a bit more effort and a bit more drive but I honestly didn’t think we were going to score. We weren’t creating enough chances so we changed to a three-up then went to a 4-4-2 – we had to because we were chasing the game. Out of all the players, Vass was probably my best one as he was the one really trying to drive the team forward. He won the penalty and Dan despatched it.”

Warne discussed Joe Mattock’s injury as the defender was withdrawn at half-time following a collision.

“To show how disappointed I was, I haven’t even asked. I haven’t asked after the game, I’ll do that in a minute. I think and presume it’s an ankle – I just presume, I don’t know.”