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Club News

READ | Warne's pre-Coventry City press highlights

24 February 2020

Club News

READ | Warne's pre-Coventry City press highlights

24 February 2020

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Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on press duties with iFollow Millers ahead of the top-of-the-table midweek clash with Coventry City at St. Andrew's on Tuesday night.

On the agenda for discussion was the recent win over Accrington Stanley, the chance to praise his side's character, teams news ahead of the trip to the Midlands and facing a familiar face in Mark Robins.

You can find video content on iFollow Millers shortly by clicking HERE

Warne on Accrington win...

"I watched the game back obviously and the first half the wind was atrocious. I said to them at half time that I didn't think their performance was very good. I asked them why and they said the conditions played a big part.

"After watching it back, even when they were closing down you could see the wind bustle them over a little bit.

"It wasn't a classic game by any stretch of the imagination, nor did I expect it to be to be fair, but I thought second half we were dominant although they had two really good chances in the whole game."

 

Warne's praise for Millers' character...

"I just liked the fact that there was a bit of character.

"It felt like a really big win for us. We dropped two points in the last minute the week before so it would have been a shame to have dropped point again, although in both games I thought we were the better team.

"It then would have taken us to Coventry on a bit of a lull. When we did score the winning goal I think it is the most I've celebrated. Every goal at this time of the season is massive. It was a good way to finish the day."

 

Warne on players' impact from the bench...

"I think it is a pat on the back for all of the staff - we all play a part. 

"It is more the fact that this year, as opposed to most years, the bench is really strong but that's because everyone is fit.

"When you make a change it makes you fresher and possibly stronger. I don't dispute that all my subs that came on would get into most League One squads and teams.

"It is nice when you make a change and they have an impact and they did."

 

Warne on pre-Coventry City team news...

"My ulcers are getting worse, but apart from that, I think the lads are all fine!

"I haven't had any correspondence from the physios to that effect. I spoke to them today and they haven't told me that there is anything to worry about.

"I don't expect there will be any injuries or massive changes before the game."

 

Warne on whether to freshen up his side and potentially changing a winning team...

"That is the million dollar question and something we will be discussing as a staff and seeing what we think is best.

"We have to respect the team that have been playing and winning every week, you have to respect the fact that the subs have come on and had a positive effect and you have to respect there is a quick turnaround and you're playing the team who have collected the most points per game in the league.

"There are a lot of things to consider and hence why we'll take longer picking the team today than normal."

 

Warne on Billy Jones and Clark Robertson...

"Billy Jones is fine. He just needs a game really, he's been out for quite a while now.

"He just needs that to get him up to speed and then he's got the job of trying to get back into the squad.

 

"I spoke to Robbo again on Friday and he's seeing another specialist today. I don't expect to see him this season, so there won't be any massive change going forward."

 

Warne on Coventry...

"As well as we played last time, the scoreline flattered us. 

"I have seen Coventry play at home twice in the last six weeks and they are a really good team. I saw them beat Portsmouth and destroy Bristol Rovers.

"We are going to have to be at our best to be competitive.

"I just think there is only way we can go to play and that is to try and win the football match.That's what we'll do and I'm sure they'll do the same.

 

Warne on whether he may set the team up any more cautiously than normal...

"I don't think so. We have to be aware of their strengths but in fairness we do that with every game.

"We always respect the opposition.

"We try and set up for us to win first and foremost but then to stop them winning as well."

 

Warne on facing a familiar face in Mark Robins...

"I don't know if I suspect any curveballs and I don't know if he'll expect any from me.

"We might both be straight down the wicket.

"I love Robbo, I played with him for years and he kindly brought me back to the club with Breck, which I thank him for.

"I've always got on brilliantly with him, so I look forward to being in the dugout alongside him."


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