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READ | Warne's pre-Accrington press highlights

20 February 2020

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Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on press duties with iFollow Millers ahead of this weekend's trip to the Wham Stadium in Sky Bet League One.

The Millers boss discussed the recent draw with AFC Wimbledon, overall form, competition for places throughout the side and the job John Coleman is doing at Accrington Stanley.

You can find video content on iFollow Millers by clicking HERE

Warne on AFC Wimbledon draw...

"I thought we played really well and we created enough chances to win the game comfortably, but we just didn't get that third goal and that was what killed us in the end with them scoring a penalty late on.
 
"I was happy with the way we played and I thought we had the ball a lot, but sometimes it's just not to be and that was the case. In fairness, Wimbledon did everything they could to stop us winning so fair play to them.
 
"We just move on and look ahead to the next game - there's nothing to sit and cry about."
 
Warne on overall form and making the AESSEAL New York Stadium a fortress...
 
"We've only lost one game in the last 12 league fixtures so we're in good form, and although the result was disappointing on Saturday, the performance wasn't so there isn't a reason to make wholesale changes.
 
"You need your home form that's for sure. If you can win games at your stadium and then try to pick something up on the road, you're going to be there or there about come the end of season.
 
"Winning at home is important, so it's just a pity we dropped unnecessary points earlier in the season, but it was never through a lack of effort. We've improved results recently and hopefully that continues now."
 
Warne on Joe Mattock's return and competition in defence...
 
"Joe Mattock had a good week of training last week and he's done well this week as well, although the pitches are a little bit damp at the moment. He's looking in good shape ahead of the weekend.
 
"Thommo has been excellent and Matt Olosunde has shaken off his groin injury too, so they're fighting for a place at right-back. Billy Jones is back in training too and we're getting Curtis Tilt closer to speed too, so we've got a lot of options.
 
"When I signed Curtis I told him it was a long-term thing, so he's got to fight to get in the squad. Nobody has a divine right to walk into the team, especially when the lads are in good form. There's no drama, it's just a case of biding his time."
 
Warne on the impact of Matt Crooks and Dan Barlaser...
 
"Crooksy has done really well and I think he ended last season as our best player. A lot of his play and his ability to get into the box is down to the fact that Dan Barlaser sits there for him, so as a pairing they've been really impressive, hence why other midfielders have struggled to get in.
 
"Those two have been excellent in the heart of the team and fortunately we've been able to keep them fit. I'm really pleased with those two, but I'm pleased with all of my players here."
 
Warne on Saturday's trip to Accrington Stanley...
 
"We had a really tough game against them at home and I though they were excellent. They're a good footballing side who play four-four-two like us, and they've won three on the spin.
 
"We just have to be at our absolute best to compete with them which I think we will be. A lot of our lads have history there, namely Dan Barlaser, Crooksy and Icky, so it's not like we go there and it's unusual surroundings.
 
"Hopefully we can come away with a positive result on our travels. We'll go there looking for three points as we do in every game, but we just need to leave there with something at least. 
 
Warne on the job John Coleman has done at the Wham Stadium...
 
"They've got a really good mix of experience and youth, but they have talented coaches there as well who work with a group of motivated lads. They seem to get them from a similar area, and crucially, they all get on well with one another.
 
"I think they play with a real freedom and a level of confidence which comes from the manager and his belief in them. It's not an upset when they beat teams at this level anymore and it's expected, so that's the biggest compliment I can pay to them."
 

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