Head Coach pleased with the effort of his side, despite defeat to Premier League Burnley.
Daniel Stendel saw his Barnsley side exit the Emirates FA Cup for this season, after a spirited, yet agonising defeat away at Premier League side, Burnley FC.
The Reds didn’t look out of place against at Turf Moor, against a team playing two divisions above in the footballing pyramid. The midfield duo of Alex Mowatt and Cameron McGeehan were constantly on the ball, looking to set off attack after attack.
A 90th minute penalty from Chris Wood saw the hosts win the match, but there were many positives for Stendel to take from the game.
“I think the performance was good. After the first 10 minutes we did well in the game, we had good combinations and some chances. I think in the last 20 minutes, nobody in the stadium thought we’d lose the game. It’s very disappointing, for Liam [Lindsay] and for all the squad.
“I think everyone played very well. Normally, he [Lindsay] doesn’t tackle in that situation, he would just run and block the ball, then we have a replay. He knows himself and he was the most disappointed in the dressing room. It’s an experience for him, not the best one, but it’s an experience, he will learn from this. He’s a very good centre-back and he’s shown that against Burnley and in the league all season.”
Stendel was asked about seeing his side perform so admirably against a team that are two divisional rankings above the Reds.
“It’s not normal, but it’s possible in the cup.” He explained. “I think we played good stuff, we have showed that we can play better than a League One side is expected to do. I know Burnley weren’t at their best which is the reason we had chances to win, but in the end we’re out of the cup and we’ll concentrate on the league.”
VAR was in use in the Emirates FA Cup acrossing multiple matches, including Saturday’s at Turf Moor. The Reds’ Head Coach has had previous experience of the technology in Germany and praised the use of it at the weekend.
“From the first moment I thought it was offside,” Daniel explained, following the decision to overturn a penalty award against Dimitri Cavaré. “But, I couldn’t see 100% from my position. I think it’s a good decision for us in that moment, I know about VAR from the Bundesliga in Germany. The time between the foul and the decision was not so long, which is important for the players and the supporters. “
On the game itself, Stendel now wants the Reds to take confidence into the remaining Sky Bet League One fixtures ahead of them, beginning this weekend at home to a rejuvenated Bradford City side.
“I think in the first half, the first 30 minutes, we have a little bit too much respect for them [Burnley FC]. It’s not special football we played against, we had our own chances, so now we have the confidence to show we can play our game and our way against any team we play against. It’s an experience for the next games, but now Bradford next week is the focus.
The final note from the Gaffer was on yet another sold-out away following. The fans have backed Barnsley Football Club superbly, as always, throughout this campaign both home and away.
“This is the normal experience we have everywhere. In the last few months we’ve all worked together and our supporters, support us, in every game. A lot of people go to away games and that was the same at Burnley, all tickets were bought, and this is a big thing for us that we have so many supporters. I think the team on the pitch showed a good performance for them, which is a main point for a good relationship between the fans and players. Thank you to them for coming to watch us again.”
