Rotherham United boss Paul Warne took time out of the start of a chaotic week of fixtures to speak with the local media ahead of a triple-header of home games, starting with Tuesday night’s hosting of Queens Park Rangers at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
There were a number of topics on the agenda for the Millers manager, who, whilst discussing his team news revealed that there is one new injury within the camp although he didn’t want to reveal the identity of who had sustained it.
Also up for discussion was the thought process of selections for the treble of second tier fixtures heading the Millers’ way in the space of seven days among a number of other matters.
The highlights of his interview can be found below:
Warne's injury update...
"We're not looking too bad. We've picked up an injury - which I don't want to disclose. Hopefully he'll be okay for Thursday but we're not so sure.
"Apart from that I've got a pretty full echelon of players and I can't have too many complaints."
Warne on triple-header of games and his thinking behind team selections...
"It is a very good question which I have a very long, boring answer to.
"We go through different phases.
"We played really well Saturday and the temptation is to go the same again, but then, for us to play four games in eight days - which is pretty unchartered waters for me as a footballer - it is impossible to think our lads can give that much in that amount of games.
"We've looked at changing a few for tomorrow, not to make us weaker, but to freshen it up.
"That then allows us to potentially change it again for Thursday which is also a big game.
"Thursday to Sunday isn't such a big issue - although I'm not a big fan of it - but Tuesday to Thursday is a problem.
"I would much prefer the fixtures in a different order, but we will be going with a strong team and a really strong bench. Depending how the game is going we are determined to try and win the game.
"It might be that I start fully strong and then make five changes after an hour, or I've made changes already and I throw five 'big dogs' on with half an hour left.
"They are the two choices. It is difficult because every game is winnable and every game is important to us."
Warne on expectation on players to take on information whilst taking care of themselves properly in-between fixtures...
"To recover and motivate the lads and then have to go again on Thursday and then to take all the information on again, to hopefully get a result, to then do the same for Sunday and then again for Wednesday is a big ask of the players.
"Luckily I've got big players.
"It is what it is and there's no point moaning about it but it does make it a little bit more difficult."
Warne on dressing room mood after being unfortunate not to take all three points at Huddersfield Town...
"I've had to do a little bit of lifting, but not loads.
"We've had good weather today which helps the mood, but in the dressing room after the game I think the lads were proud of their performance but disappointed they didn't get the elusive goal.
"It is that time of the season now in which it is difficult to pat yourself on the back because it is all about points and that's what it is coming down to now.
"To keep the season alive and to have a real go at it at the end of the season, I hope that we can pick two wins up at least from the next four. I think it's pretty crucial that we do that.
"The lads are aware of that. As a manager you're trying to keep that pressure away from them and it is a bit like the elephant in the room. You don't want to say it to them because it will just add to it."
Warne on Queens Park Rangers...
"It's weird. Some teams who have achieved what they need to turn up in flip flops and bring their donkey and passport in the other hand.
"Other teams - like QPR who are a really talented football team - can probably play with even more freedom than they have been, hence why they've been accumulating points.
"They're a motivated group and I think the manager - considering the players he lost - has done an amazing job.
"I think they are playing with a freedom and a belief about them, since January especially and they're a formidable side to play against."
Warne on a winning feeling being able to help his side through the week...
"If they won tomorrow night and then did the same on Thursday, they'd go into Sunday's game feeling invincible.
"That is the part of the coaches really. We just have to keep the morale high.
"If the team don't win tomorrow night, it isn't the end of the world.
"We'll have to pick them up and try and get something out of the next two or three and keep ourselves in it.
"In terms of preparation it is the same, but you have to keep your eye a little bit further down the road than you normally do."