ADAM Barrett insisted his sole focus is on the game against Preston North End as he was peppered with questions in his first press conference since taking charge.
The 43-year-old has stepped in following the announcement that Gary Rowett has left the club by mutual consent last night.
It is the second time Barrett has had to become caretaker boss at The Den with the former defender also filling in after Neil Harris’ resignation four years ago.
Barrett led Millwall to a 2-1 win over Leeds United in his first game, drew 2-2 with Cardiff City in his third and final game and in between saw his Lions side lose 3-2 to Brentford despite leading 2-0 with only six minutes of normal time to go.
Asked at his first virtual press conference today if he wanted the job on a permanent basis, Barrett said: “I’ve been asked to take the team last night but my full focus is on Preston. It’s such a quick turnaround, I haven’t had time to think really the last 24 hours so my main focus is getting the lads ready, getting them prepared, getting the messages in and all I’m focused on at the moment is Preston at the weekend.
“The gaffer left and I was surprised he decided to leave. It’s all come very quickly and I haven’t though about anything else apart from making the team’s right and we’re prepared as possible. Like I said, I’ve had a hell of a lot to try and sort out behind the scenes at the moment to make sure people are in place. Paul Robinson is with me, Kevin Nugent has stepped up from the under-21s. There’s been a hell of a lot to organise and Preston is our focus.”
The caretaker boss, who first arrived at the club in 2017, was also asked if he was planning to do anything differently against Preston North End on Saturday.
He said: “I’m my own man, I’ve got my own ideas. But obviously it’s very, very quick with the games upon us and the injuries we have as well. So we’re probably limited in terms of options so there’s not a lot of time to change too much and like I said we’ve been pretty strong ourselves anyway.
“So it’s a case of getting in, getting the boys prepared and making sure this sudden shock to everyone is as smooth as possible. The lads trained really well which I was delighted with and the attitude and application has been superb so it’s now just about making sure we’re preparing and getting ourselves right for a tough game.”
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