The Reds Head Coach believes a lack of quality cost his young side yesterday at Craven Cottage but is excited about Boxing Day and the visit of Preston North End.
The Reds slipped to another defeat to extend the winless run to eight games in the Sky Bet Championship, but Heckingbottom felt Barnsley matched Fulham well in most areas.
“We did lots of things really well,” he stated following yesterday's 2-1 defeat in the capital.
“The only thing I could criticise was moments of quality. We let ourselves down in the first half with the lack of quality, with that final pass and it was a similar story in the second half. That's been a theme of late.
“We weren't opened up too many times and I thought we had the better opportunities, but the area we can definitely improve on is the quality. I know when we get organised and we do well we can cause sides problems and we have a chance.
"But I can't guarantee the quality. And I won't criticise the players because again they've given me everything out there."
With illness running through his young squad prior to the game in West London, Hecky reckons he might well have to freshen things up when Alex Neil returns to his old stomping ground with PNE on Boxing Day.
“We had a few boys who had suffered with illness throughout the week and we even had to send Brad Potts home due to that,” he explained.
“Look, every game is vital. But I am looking forward to getting back to Oakwell and having a couple of games there over Christmas and going all out to claim the points.
“We have had a couple of long away games, with lots of travel and lots going off, off the pitch, so it will be nice to get the players back, rested and ready for three big games.
“I would like to think that with the historic news off the pitch that people will be intrigued and I want everyone to come down. It’s the start of something new - so everyone should be looking to get involved.
“But through performances and keeping everyone fresh we will make changes I think on Tuesday. I didn't think Tom Bradshaw would get through the game at Fulham as he's got laringitis, so we will have to assess him.
“But there will be changes, because when you are playing Saturday, Tuesday.. Saturday, Monday, it is a big ask.”
You can see Paul's interview in full over on iFollow.
