Millwall boss explains substitution decisions against Birmingham

Millwall boss Gary Rowett has explained why he waited to make substitutions in his side’s 1-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City on Tuesday.

The Blues secured all three points thanks to Lukas Jutkiewicz’s 27th-minute strike past George Long.

The Lions boss made four changes in the closing stages of the game, making the first substitute on the 75th-minute mark when he took off Andreas Voglsammer to bring on Duncan Watmore.

Romain Esse, Callum Styles and Mason Bennett were also introduced.

“No, because we’re on top and creating chances,” said Rowett when asked whether there was a temptation to make the changes earlier.

“If anything, when I made the subs, we lost a little bit of momentum for about five or 10 minutes.

“I understand the fans want to make those changes, but we’re fifth at the moment.

“I’m not going to just do what everyone wants me to do because that’s not the manager’s job. 

“Sometimes you have to ignore however everyone feels and do what you think is the right thing to do.

“Ultimately, it’s been a big part of where we are at the moment.”