'We just weren't at the races' - Paul Warne's verdict on Rotherham United's defeat at Coventry City

The Millers chief said the match against a side around them in the table was no more important than any other.

However, Warne might be having second thoughts after watching his men flop to a 3-1 defeat that will have the alarm bells ringing.

Promising performances against promotion-chasers Bournemouth and Brentford were nowhere to be seen as they were overrun by Coventry.

Early goals from Max Biamou and Tyler Walker set the tone, with Leo Ostigard’s second-half header secured the points.

Dan Barlaser got the Millers on the scoreboard from the spot late on, but it was nothing like a consolation to Warne.

The boss admitted his side were “not at the races”.

“I am hugely disappointed, we came into this on the back of two good performances, played the same system, Robbo matched us up, and in every department they were superior to us, which hurts me to say,” he said.

“I just thought they got to second balls quicker than we did, they got to the first contact in both boxes quicker than we did and were just stronger and more physical, which I don't like to say about my team.

“We just weren't at the races, so I am not trying to cover up a bad day, it was a bad day. “Although we missed chances late on, their victory could have been greater.

“It is something we need to look at as a group and quickly address for Tuesday.”

The Sky Blues were promoted with Rotherham last season and would have been one of the teams the Millers would have targeted finishing above as they try and avoid an instant return to League One.

But Mark Robins' side looked miles ahead of Warne's outfit.

“It gives me things to think about,” the manager added. “have been in with the team and had an open-hearted conversation.

“Maybe a few of them thought today was going to be easier than expected.

“That performance came out of nowhere after the Bournemouth and Brentford one and it is heart-breaking because I said to the lads after the game that I would do anything for them and I expect it back.

“I just didn’t think that we were aggressive enough.

“We have got Watford on Tuesday night, so if you thought today was hard get ready for Tuesday night.”

MORE FROM THE STAR ON ROTHERHAM UNITED

'Proud' Rotherham United boss Paul Warne cites fatigue as factor in defeat to Brentford

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.