Gary Rowett on why he likes to honestly dissect Millwall displays in his press conferences

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gary Rowett has talked about his honest post-match appraisals – and reckons that there is no reason not to say it exactly how it is.

The Millwall manager has given straight breakdowns of his team’s displays since taking charge in November.

He said: “I’ve been criticised before for doing that. But fans are intelligent and they know their football, particularly at Millwall.

“I assess a game for what it was. Sometimes I might gloss over one or two things and sometimes I might say something for a reason – psychologically for the team. But ultimately I’m saying the same thing to you guys [the media] as the players after the game.

“That helps people understand our thinking and I don’t think there is any point trying to pull the wool over peoples’ eyes and saying we were great or unlucky when I don’t think we’ve performed particularly well.

“Sometimes you have to block off games and you look at our 10-game block [since being appointed]. For us to come in and the players to win five, draw three and lose two is still very pleasing.”

Millwall are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat to Barnsley when they head to Cardiff City today.

“It wasn’t a very fluid performance from us,” said Rowett. “There were quite a few things that aided that. The pitch was difficult to play on because of the weather and we had to make a few changes.

“We got into some good positions but we’ve got to be a little more ruthless in those areas and have a tad more quality.

“I think certainly the second goal was avoidable. But I can’t take all the good performances and then whinge about a not so good one.”