Ahead of Saturday's first away trip of the season, Andreas Winkler addressed the media at Oakwell.
Heading into this weekend’s Yorkshire Derby with Bradford City, Reds Assistant Head Coach Andreas Winkler believes the side can still improve following our 4-0 victory over Oxford United on the opening day.
Two first half goals from Mamadou Thiam were added to after the interval by Brad Potts and debutant Victor Adeboyejo as Barnsley coasted to three points at Oakwell.
“We know that we can improve some things,” asserted Winkler. “If you start with a 4-0, you have to be a bit lucky; not everything was perfect. We analysed the game and showed our team what we can do better and how we can improve.
“Right now, we are top of the league but we know we have to improve. We have a young squad and we have to show this level of consistency at a high level; it’s not easy.”
The Bantams began their League Two campaign with a 1-0 win at last season’s play-off finalists Shrewsbury Town.
Winkler is aware of the threat posed by Michael Collins’ side and insists the Reds will be prepared for the first local rivalry of the campaign.
“They seem to be a pretty good team with very good players in the squad, so we’ll need to be switched on from the first minute,” continued the Assistant. “It’s different if you play away; we’re comfortable here – we trained on Oakwell for a week. We know it will be a tough, hard match.”
“It’s a Yorkshire Derby. I think we sold out our allocation for this match, so I’m looking forward to it. If we can win on Saturday it will be a good step in the right direction.”
New signing Jordan Williams could be in contention to make his Reds debut at Valley Parade this weekend.
The full-back arrived at Barnsley from Huddersfield Town on Wednesday, and Winkler believes the Club has acquired a very talented individual who will only benefit the team going forward.
“He’s a very pacey, young player – we think he has the potential to play in a higher league,” said Winkler. “It’s an investment, this is football. We scouted him a lot, watched a lot of matches and everyone at the Club is convinced that he is a good player.
“He’s a fresh, young guy who wants to improve himself, play football and he wanted to join Barnsley.
“I think everyone needs time; it’s not easy to come in after pre-season and the first competitive game. But he’s shown that he’s a good player and we can tell him exactly what he has to do. We’re patient enough; he’s hard working and has a good attitude and he will fit into the squad.”
