Andreas Winkler insists that Barnsley will look at ways to exploit any potential weaknesses AFC Wimbledon may have ahead of this weekend’s clash at Oakwell.
The Reds’ Assistant Head Coach is looking forward to an entertaining encounter against the Wombles, who, like Barnsley, are yet to concede a goal in Sky Bet League One this season.
“We know they’ve not conceded a goal in the league, so they have a good defence,” said Winkler. “They will be well prepared for us and our style and they will probably know a little bit more about our philosophy, so it will be a tough game.
“We will try to stick to our plan – to wear the opponent down with our possession play – which we didn’t do too well against Blackpool in the second half. But if we can do that against Wimbledon then I’m confident of a good match.
“Against Blackpool, in the second half, we couldn’t exploit their weakness and we have to find a way to exploit the weakness of every team. On Saturday it’s a new match, a new opponent and a new tactic, so we’re very excited to see how our young squad will go on.”
Tuesday’s Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Blackpool is the first time Daniel Stendel and Winkler have tasted competitive defeat while in charge of the Reds.
However, Winkler believes that the loss will be a learning curve for the Reds as they look to focus their attentions on league priorities on Saturday.
“Losing is part of development, it’s important for a young squad,” continued the Reds’ Assistant. “It’s new for the squad to go behind and lose, but I think they will put their heads up and look forward to Saturday.
“The positive is that we always had a positive approach – we tried to stick to our plan, but that’s football. Blackpool were a good opponent, they were well prepared for us and, in the end, they deserved the win.
“I don’t think, after one defeat, they will be discouraged. We know they can be more ruthless and more clinical in front of goal.”
