Every word Paul Warne said on Derby County, Sheffield United and an 'amazing' achievement
Derby County are aiming to secure a third straight win in the Championship when they face Sheffield United this weekend.
After wins over Bristol City and Cardiff City, Derby are currently eighth in the table after taking nine points out five games so far. And this weekend's trip to Bramall Lane will be extra special given Warne will oversee his 400th game as a manager while also celebrate two years of being in charge at Pride Park.
Paul Warne addressed the media at Moor Farm today and the Rams head coach was in good form as he spoke on a variety of topics. Here's what he had to say.
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On his two-year anniversary: "It has gone really quickly. It's me doing the talking every week, but I'm speaking on behalf of the staff. It's a testament to how hard everyone's worked at the football club that it feels like the club's going in the right direction; it's good. I've really enjoyed it so far and it's been nice.
"The longer you're at a club, the more you know people, which helps. You're able to put a little bit more identity into your teams as well. That's why all managers like longevity because it makes the job easier and more comfortable, possibly. It feels like home to us now, which is great."
On managing 400 games: "It is quite amazing to have done 400 games. If you’d have told me after the first 10 games I managed that I'd do 400, I’d have been very happy. It is testament to my coaches and the people who keep me sane; my family and everyone around me. I'm really proud of it. I was really proud of my playing career too and loads of different things I've done in my life as well, but to get to 400 as a manager is really pleasing."
On Sheffield United challenge: "When you go down from the Premier League, everything's down in the dumps. As soon as the season finishes, it is the dawn of the new campaign and before you know it pre-season has started. When the transfer window opens and you're able to manoeuvre and move things and let some people go, it helps. They've made brilliant signings so far.
"It doesn't surprise me that they're doing so well. I love Alan Knill on their coaching staff and also Chris Wilder. They are really good people and have done excellent jobs throughout their careers. They had unbridled success in their first spell there and the fact that they've gone back to Sheffield United and started the season so well doesn't surprise any of us. They've got a really good team, but they're really well coached and you have to have them both to have success. They'll no doubt have a successful season, but these are the games that we want to play in."
On the away form: "Whether we were good away from home last year or not, that's the past now. I always like to look forward and this is a game that I would love to play in. I did play at Bramall Lane a few times in my career and it has always had an amazing atmosphere. It's a match that we want to perform in.
"I thought we performed well at Watford a few weeks ago (Derby lost 2-1) but I didn't think we performed well enough in the entirety at Blackburn on the opening day (Derby lost 4-2). It's another good test to see where we're at. We want to come away with something, that goes without saying. We'll have to be our very best for every minute of the game. I've got a lot of trust in this group, and it should be a good match. I know we're taking a good following, too."
On Tawanda Chirewa: "He played 45 minutes to brush the cobwebs off against Barrow, which seems like a different season. It almost feels like it was the 90s and I have just come out of watching Neverending Story. But because of the concussion protocol, I feel a bit sorry for him because you're a little bit like a loner and he is not allowed to take contact for ages. I remember speaking to him after the Bristol City game and apologising that I couldn't get him on and he said 'No worries' and that he was glad the team won. Then he left for international duty.
"He trained with the group for two days, played 45 minutes, left for international duty and then been through concussion protocols. But he's a really intelligent kid. He's an absolute sponge. If he came in and he'd give you a lecture like a Ted Talk, he's some sharp nut. I've got him doing homework on other midfielders. And I've got him watching Norwich midfielders for next week because it feels like his days are undernourished at the moment."
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