Derby County’s head coach, Paul Warne, expressed deep admiration for Mark Robins and acknowledged that he would rather emerge victorious against any other manager than his longtime friend. Despite Robins being dismissed by the Sky Blues following their defeat to Derby, the win did not bring Warne any extra joy, given their close friendship stemming from their days as teammates at Rotherham United.
In a post-match statement, Warne emphasized his respect for Coventry’s management and players, describing them as exceptional. He shared, “While we were delighted with the victory, Coventry boasts a strong side. My admiration for Robbo is paramount, and triumphing over him doesn’t add any extra sweetness to it. I’d prefer to defeat any other manager over him.” Warne shrugged off external pressures, highlighting the importance of accumulating points and focusing on his team’s performance on the field.
For him, winning is a priority regardless of the location, emphasizing the team’s hard work and dedication as key to their success. He concluded, “Whether it’s a home game or away, winning matters to me. The lads’ diligence paid off, showing that dedication brings rewards. Victory is earned through effort, and I believe we deserved it.”
