How Rotherham United manager Paul Warne is managing hectic fixture schedule
PAUL WARNE admits he is making substitutions in matches earlier than he normally would in a bid to protect his players from the punishing fixture schedule.
With the Championship campaign getting off to a delayed start due to the prolonged 2019-20 season, clubs across the divisions have faced an increase in injury problems.
Some sides have been hit harder than others and it has left Warne acutely aware of replacing players earlier in games to prevent a build-up of squad members in the treatment room.
"All managers will say the same, you want to pick your strongest XI," he said.
"But as the game goes on, if someone looks leggy then you can't afford to risk it.
"Everyone is picking their best team but making changes a lot earlier than they possibly would."
He added: "At this level, this is some regime the players are in at the moment. It is just play, recover, play, recover.
"You are asking your whole squad to play a part and you are literally just squeezing everything out of everyone."
"All the players are good. We have had a couple of meetings on Thursday just trying to brief them on what we might expect from Coventry and what they did well the other night," he added.
"There are no issues."
Warne was delighted with the performance from his goalkeeper Jamal Blackman as the Millers were beaten by high-flying Brentford on Tuesday evening.
The Rotherham manager felt the on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper looked "more polished" despite the Bees leaving the New York Stadium with all three points.
"I just thought he looked a little more confident and came for a lot more crosses, to take the pressure off the back four," said Warne.
"I just want a confident display from all the players but I thought Jamal looked a lot more polished the other night."
Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe