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Interviews

READ | Warne's pre-Middlesbrough press highlights

16 September 2022

Interviews

READ | Warne's pre-Middlesbrough press highlights

16 September 2022

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Rotherham United boss Paul Warne was on media duties ahead of this weekend's televised trip to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship.

Following the midweek win over Blackpool there were a number of topics to cover including his thoughts on three points against the Seasiders, high praise for Tolaji Bola and the squad competition, his side's home form so far and the test that awaits them in Middlesbrough.

You can read all of that and more in our press highlights below or watch the video content on iFollow Millers, HERE.

 

Warne's reflections on Blackpool win...

"I didn't think we started very well for the first 20 minutes and we didn't move the ball quick enough or have enough threat in the final third.

"They could have gone 1-0 up in the first couple of minutes which would have taken the game on a different course, but in the end I thought that we played our way into it.

"We controlled the ball pretty well and when chances did come, the lads took them.

"Sometimes you can play like that, not take any chances and come away with a 1-0 defeat so I'm pleased.

"It was a clean sheet, another home win and we sent people home happy."

 

Warne on his praise for the contribution of the entirety of his Millers squad...

"I spoke highly about him [Tolaji Bola] in the press afterwards. He's been excellent and a great pro. Everyone wants to play - he isn't the only one - but he has been on the rough end of a few decisions.

"He's had to fight his way into the reckoning and he came on last night and did really well.

"Scotty High is unlucky that he doesn't play every week, as is Jamie Lindsay.

"Jamie McCart is desperate to play as is Cam and Georgie came on as well.

"There is a strength-in-depth and I think T probably epitomises the best part of the dressing room.

"We were really pleased that Georgie got a goal because that will give him a boost and it was an amazing finish."

 

 

Warne on constantly assessing performances in training which he reaffirms can lead to first team opportunities...

"In fairness, the only way you can possibly get in when you're not in the side is to be really good in training and show us and then we'll go back into the office and say 'wow, how good was Dan Barlaser today' or whatever.

"We do speak about it. There isn't a training session that we're not all on the side of the pitch as a staff.

"Today, the lads who haven't played have trained and the three of us were all out there and watched every kick off the ball.

"There isn't a route into the team whereby you knock on the door or sulk. I would just wash my hands of them.

"The team have been doing really well, hence why you encourage players to have a really good pre-season. If you can get through that injury free, you give yourself a right chance and the lads who unfortunately had injuries have struggled to get in.

"The season is judged over 46 games and we're not even a quarter of the way through. They'll all have opportunities and whether they grasp them is out of my hands."

Paul Warne, Manager

 

Warne on home form so far...

"The lads have been really good so far at home.

"We've rode our luck a little bit away from home but I think it shows in the Championship how hard it is to get away wins.

"We set up trying to win and apart from Sunderland, we haven't really had a bad performance.

"We definitely rode our luck against QPR and Preston.

"All games are quite close but our home form has been really good. We've conceded one from a throw-in where we didn't stop the cross and another from a centre half from a 30-yard screamer.

"Generally, we've done really well but that's a reflection on the whole team."

"We'll expect another high-octane performance and we're going to need it against a team who lost at home midweek and will be trying to put that wrong right against us."

Paul Warne, Manager

 

 

Warne on Ferguson and Eaves injuries...

"Both will train with the group again on Friday. There will be a decision to be made and it is the last game before the international break.

"If there are any 50/50s on any players I won't take the risk.

"We'll make that decision on Friday."

 

Warne on any new injury concerns...

"I'm not aware of any and compared to other games, the distances covered weren't as high so they should feel pretty fresh come Saturday.

 

Warne on Middlesbrough and knowing Chris Wilder and Alan Knill...

"They've got unbelievable quality and they've recruited in the summer.

"I can't answer for them but knowing Chris and Knilly really well they will be looking higher up the table.

"What I do know is that they're a great management team, with a good group of players and a good support.

"I was at the game in midweek and the fans got right behind their team at the start of the second half to get back to 2-3 and it could have been a draw.

"Everything is in place for them to have a great season but hopefully it doesn't all come right for them on Saturday."


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