Dale Tonge says Barnsley are looking for a reaction this weekend following successive defeats.
After making a flying start to life back in the Sky Bet Championship with victory over Fulham, the Reds lost out in the South Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough before exiting the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
Charlton Athletic are the visitors to Oakwell on Saturday and Tonge insists the players will be working hard on the training ground to get back to winning ways.
“We’re looking for a positive reaction this weekend; we expect a reaction and I think we’ll get it,” asserted the Reds’ First Team Coach.
“We’ve mentioned what we want from the players in training over the next two days. There’ll be lots of positives but, at the same time, with an intensity and determination that Saturday is the main aim and getting a performance.”
Confidence remains high in the camp despite the previous two results, with everyone of a red persuasion well aware of the potential within the squad.
Much-fancied Fulham were put to the sword on the opening day in what was a magnificent display from Barnsley, and Tonge believes the Reds need to hit that level more consistently as the season progresses.
“I wouldn’t say we overperformed [against Fulham]; I’d say we surprised quite a few people within football media, but we knew that if we implemented our game plan that we can perform on any given day against any team,” continued the 34-year-old.
“I think that’s the biggest disappointment over the last two games that we haven’t imposed ourselves enough and haven’t got the results as a result of that.”
With maximum points on the board, Lee Bowyer’s side currently sit second in the table after recording impressive victories over Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
The Addicks lost 2-1 on their last trip to Oakwell, with Mamadou Thiam’s stunner settling the contest back in December and Tonge is anticipating another tough, close encounter on Saturday.
“We’re expecting a very, very confident team,” he said. “If you look at the results, they’ve had two wins in two difficult games – Blackburn and Stoke – and, as you can see, they’re really adaptable; they’ve changed their shape numerous times within games. They’ve got good continuity within the team and it’ll be a really tough test.”
You can watch Dale’s full press conference on iFollow Barnsley.
