Paul Warne: Derby County boss apologises for 'embarrassing' Bristol Street Motors Trophy exit
- Published
Paul Warne is in his first full season in charge of Derby
Derby County boss Paul Warne apologised to supporters for the Rams' "embarrassing" Bristol Street Motors Trophy exit against Bradford City.
The League Two Bantams upstaged Warne's League One high-flyers 1-0 at Pride Park to progress to the quarter-finals.
Warne said there was no way to "sugar coat" the defeat, even if it leaves Derby to focus on their promotion push.
"I can't pretend it is a good thing, it is bad news and we played poorly," he told BBC Radio Derby.
"People payed good money and sat there freezing watching that. And I apologise for that."
Derby's round of 16 defeat in the competition is the third time this season the Rams have been knocked out of a cup competition at home, having already been beaten by League Two side Crewe in the FA Cup and Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.
Warne had previously won the EFL Trophy as Rotherham boss and was hoping to deliver on owner David Clowes' ambition to win a trophy in his second season at the helm.
"We came here to win this game, we came here to make memories," Warne said.
"We wanted to get to Wembley because I know what a great thing it is.
"We were below par, disappointed and a bit embarrassed - not by the scoreline, just by the performance really.
"Collectively we weren't good enough and were nowhere near the levels we would expect."
Warne made six changes for the tie after Derby beat League One's bottom side Fleetwood three days earlier to move level on points with third-placed Peterborough.
While it was the Rams' ninth victory in 11 league games and edged them to within two points of the automatic promotion spots, Warne said the Trophy exit has put their hopes of going up into sharp context.
"I don't think anyone grasped the opportunity," Warne said.
"No-one intends to go and play poorly, but there was an averageness to the performances which was disappointing.
"If that was the level of our performances for the next few months then you don't have to get too excited."