Rotherham United Manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers press duty ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup Second Round tie with Morecambe at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The Millers and Shrimps will battle it out for a place in Round Three, with Warne’s men looking to continue their unbeaten start across all competitions to the 2022/23 campaign.
You can read highlights from the interview below, with video content to follow on iFollow Millers…
Warne on QPR reflections…
“I was really pleased, we had to ride our luck a little I felt, as QPR had some great chances.
“We possibly could have done better with a few of our own opportunities, but to take a point away from home at a tough place, we were pleased.
“The honest truth is that on another day, we could have been punished. We got countered a couple of times, but to take a draw away from home should never be sniffed at.”
Warne on still being unbeaten…
“We’re just trying to accumulate as many points as we can. Any point is a positive point, even a draw at home is a good one.
“I know the lads get a lot of joy from keeping clean sheets and scoring, they feel like they are giving a good account of themselves.
“I feel like all of the promoted teams have started well but this league as we know, is pretty unique in terms of results.
“The lads can build confidence from anything, if it is still being unbeaten, then great but it is a long season.”
Warne on the strength of the Championship…
“As I say, it is a unique league. I can’t see anyone running away with it really. Obviously when the bigger teams get their ‘mojo’ back they will probably rise to the top, it’s only Sheffield United really who have hit the ground running.
“We’ve just got to keep going and keep the squad together where we can, that is key.”
Warne on Chiedozie Ogbene...
“Chieo has always been a threat. At the end of last season we tried to get him higher up the pitch, we proved successful, as he caused all sorts of problems.
“Chieo is doing really well and long may it continue.”
Warne on the defence…
“There is a lot of experience there to call on. We made mistakes on Saturday, which we’ve spoken about and will hope to help them going forward.
“I think Viktor has been outstanding, anyone can make a save but it’s the positional awareness and detail that is important.
“Pelts can play anywhere across the backline and did really well for us. We can’t ask Wes to play every game at wing-back, Pelts gave us everything and I really enjoyed watching him play.”
Warne on team news…
“Everyone is good, there are no dramas. I love five subs, because you get to keep players in a good place physically and that has been the case again.
Warne on the potential to rotate the squad against Morecambe…
“We will make changes, but we are still going to pick a team that gives us the best chance of winning.
“We want to get through and continue our good start, but we are aware we have a game at the weekend, but we will give everything to get into the next round.”
Warne on Brooke Norton-Cuffy…
“I’m really pleased to get it down. He’s done great for Arsenal and England, had a loan spell at Lincoln where he was a real handful against us.
“He wants to go past people and play on the front foot, which we love.
“I know a few clubs were interested, but because of Peter’s injury, it was an easy fit for us.
“We wanted the position to be competitive and hopefully Brooke will come in and hit the ground running.
He’s a young player, we’re going to try and help his game and hopefully he can help us win points.
“We’ve had a few Arsenal players and have a good relationship with them, I look forward to watching them play.”
Warne on reaching out to Lewis Price following the news of his testicular cancer diagnosis…
“I’ve just sent him a voice note, I only found out half an hour ago, it is horrendous news.
“I reached out and supported him, I told him I will drive and meet him anywhere if he needs it.
“He’s an unbelievable human and I loved having him here and he was doing really well with MK Dons.
“I loved who he was, he does a lot more than what people see, he would engage with the staff and tell players when they were out of line.
“He has his moral compass bang on and just wanted to help everyone in the building.
“I know what Pricey is like, he’s a really fighter and I’m fully confident that he can overcome it, but I know he has a battle ahead.”