Following the Reds’ 2-1 success over Millwall, Lee Johnson spoke to the press, giving his thoughts on the game and the performance.
Johnson admitted Millwall gave Barnsley a stern test but he praised his side for standing strong and picking up maximum points - making it back-to-back home wins.
He said: “We knew a Millwall side is going to throw the kitchen sink at you and the longer the game went on, the harder it was to stop the long balls and they were always going to be dangerous.
“We stood up to it and may have cleared a couple off the line but had we have been given a penalty, I think we could have been out of sight before that.
“You’re never going to get an easy game against a Millwall side, tradition will tell you that, but credit to the lads because they’ve come out and stood really strong.”
After weeks of change at Oakwell, the Head Coach finally feels that he is at a stage where he has the belief that the Reds can go into games, expecting to win them.
“Our performances have turned generally and adding the players we needed has really helped us, Adam’s assisted and scored a great goal as well.
“We have to keep driving forward. We’ve had to constantly evolve the group which has taken time but I feel now we’re going into games with a decent chance of winning, which at times this season hasn’t always been the case,” he added.
An injury to Marley Watkins could throw a spanner in the works for the Reds ahead of this weekend’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Fleetwood Town.
But Johnson insists that he will do everything within his power to get Watkins fit and starting for Saturday’s clash.
He assessed: “Marley has rocked his ankle and we’ll have to assess him. It’s a massive loss for us if he’s out but we’ll send him to Lourdes or somewhere to get him fit for Saturday.
“We’re going to have to rebuild ourselves now because we’ve got a couple of injuries, some will be going back to their parent clubs and this week will be a huge week.”
Manchester United loanee Ben Pearson has played his last game for the club and will be returning to the Red Devils next week.
The Head Coach reflected on the time that Ben has spent with the Reds, as well as wishing the midfielder all the best for the rest of his career.
Johnson reflected: “I love him to bits and think he’s a fantastic player and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our part as staff as trying to develop him technically and mentally as a player.
“He’s maturing all the time and the last two performances have really shown that. Technically he’s fantastic and his range of passing has improved.
“Ben’s a great kid and all I can do is thank him for the effort he’s put in and hopefully one day, when he’s writing his book his book after a great career he’ll mention us all.”
