Rotherham United boss Paul Warne once again joined iFollow Millers on a video call from home as a result of his current situation which finds him self-isolating following the recent Covid-19 outbreak within the first team squad.
The Millers boss was in good spirits - and importantly good health - as he discussed the performance against Watford on Tuesday night and the overall condition of his squad following their return to training on Monday.
Warne added that a trio of longer-term injured players should be nearing a return to training next week, while talking about 'emptying the tank' at Ashton Gate this weekend with a full week to recover ahead of the international break.
Full video content from the interview will be available to watch shortly on iFollow Millers, HERE.
Warne on how the squad has come through health-wise after the midweek meeting with Watford...
"Everyone's okay. People are feeling a lot better.
"It was a game that we had to play quite obviously. I remember when we were discussing the team, we had decided that we had to put out the fittest group that we could.
"We also knew that the team that started, had almost no chance of finishing the game.
"We were surprised with a couple in terms of how well they did and a couple of the lads who came on.
"In that respect, physically, they're okay, but obviously if you understand how football works, the rustiness was going to be apparent for all to see and it was."
Warne's reflections on the performance against the Hornets...
"A few decisions on a few things suggested we weren't as match-sharp as normal.
"That aside, I thought the lads gave a good account of themselves.
"On another day, Smudge's penalty goes in and Crooksy's header goes in and it could have been a completely different game.
"Let's not detract from the fact that - and I'm not trying to sugar coat any bad news - if we'd have been at our very best without any issues, it would have been a very tough game against Watford anyway.
"They've hardly conceded any goals and we nearly ended up scoring three.
"We can take pride from that, we played well in parts, but they are a stronger team than us, so there is no shame in the result.
"Every game is important and we're trying to win points in them all, but that won't be the defining part of our season."
Warne on any additional ill-effects or injuries after Tuesday night...
"Everyone has come through.
"Wilesy had a hamstring problem but we're hopeful that he can be okay for Saturday.
"The lads are starting training 10 minutes after this interview. I've got a Zoom call with them at 11am.
"They've come through better than we hoped really.
"We should be in much better fettle for Saturday."
Warne on longer-term injured situations...
"We should have Jamie Lindsay, Chieo and Robbo training with us next week and that will help us significantly.
"It enables us to be able to play a game virtually every-other-day and we'll look forward to the challenges then."
Warne on watching others in action last night...
"It's obviously good when all of the teams at the bottom lose for us, but it doesn't detract from the fact that we need to win five or six games.
"Birmingham might win four or five games or even more.
"Our home games against teams around us will have a massive part in our fate.
"I sit there worse than most Rotherham fans, almost throwing up when I see a goal going in!
"That is the emotional rollercoaster.
"It isn't like we have four games left and we have to win three. We have to probably win five or six from the remaining games and we'll do everything we can to make that happen.
"It is very tiring wishing ill on other teams, let me tell you!
"We feel it all like every fan, that is for sure!"
Warne on whether the players can 'empty the tank' at Bristol City prior to the international break next weekend...
"The good thing is with this game is that you don't have to worry about the repercussions, you don't have to worry about fatigue and you can leave everything out there.
"For example, if we had a game on Tuesday, would there be a couple of players that I might not play on Saturday? Possibly.
"We haven't got the Tuesday game to worry about so we can leave everything down there.
"The lads know what is expected and they are desperate to win. I've spoken to many of them since the game on Tuesday night and they're disappointed.
"They're motivated to stay up and to play for this great club, so I'm expecting a really good performance on Saturday.
"It is a game where I think we can go and play it like a cup final. We need to pick up points and try and come away with something, but what we can't do is go all guns-blazing and leave ourselves completely open because at 5pm on Saturday, a point may look amazing, as much as we're going for all three."