DERBY manager Paul Warne acknowledged that he strayed from his typical football philosophy, opting to stifle Middlesbrough rather than play on the front foot, in their recent match at Pride Park. Despite only managing three shots on goal, compared to Boro’s 20, Derby secured a 1-0 victory, a departure from Warne’s usual attacking style.

Warne conceded that his team was somewhat fortunate at times and acknowledged that Middlesbrough had their chances, with Delano Burgzorg’s disallowed goal standing out. Despite the deviation from his preferred tactics, Warne praised his team for executing the game plan effectively.

“It contradicted my beliefs,” Warne admitted. “I prefer proactive football, but facing a strong side like Middlesbrough, we had to be pragmatic. You can’t always go all out against top teams.”

While expressing satisfaction with the result, Warne recognized the opposition’s quality and stressed the importance of adapting the game plan to neutralize their strengths. Derby’s approach, while defensive, proved effective in containing Middlesbrough’s threats and capitalizing on counterattacks.

Warne highlighted the team’s resilience in defense and applauded the fans for their support during a physically demanding match. Despite relying heavily on defensive tactics, Warne commended his players for executing the strategy well and securing a hard-fought victory.

“In football, winning is the ultimate goal, and sometimes you have to adjust your style to get the result you need,” said Warne. “While luck may have played a part, the team’s commitment and discipline were vital in securing the victory.”