Adam Murray is excited about the chance to lead the Reds into what he sees as a 'big opportunity' to get three points this Saturday.
Ahead of the weekend's big clash with fellow Sky Bet Championship strugglers Stoke City, caretaker boss Adam Murray met the media to look ahead to the Potters' visit.
With Saturday's opponents making a managerial appointment on Friday, Murray was inevitably asked about his own future and the Head Coach position at Oakwell.
"My focus has not changed from Stoke," asserted Murray in his pre-match press conference.
“It is a big game for us and then we go into the international break and I imagine we will come out of the international break with a little bit more clarity on the situation.
"My aim when I took over was to make sure the group was in a better place for whenever a decision is made, whether that is a new manager coming in or an in-house appointment.
“My target was to settle the group and I think we have done that and we are in a good place. As far as I am concerned, I have achieved the remit I was challenged with. The club will do whatever they think is best and I will be happy with their decision either way."
Despite sitting bottom of the table after a third of the 2019/20 season played, most observers will be wondering why considering the talent in the Potters' ranks.
It's something that Murray himself referrred to.
But the 38-year-old former Derby County midfielder reiterated his belief that the key to results for Barnsley is how the Reds themselves perform, with Murray adamant that his side can match anyone on their day, as they've shown in recent matches against some of the sides at the top of the division.
He explained, telling us: “Stoke are an interesting one. Obviously, they are on a bit of a tough run, a bit like ourselves. But, on paper, they have an unbelievable squad full of Premier League players, plenty of experience.
“But it’s a game against the side below us in the table, so it is a big opportunity for us, but it will be a challenge because of the match-winning quality and the experience Stoke have.
"The pressure will be on them because no one expected them to be in this position, with the players that they have at their disposal, whereas we have just got promoted and we are adapting to a new league. There is less pressure on us and we can go out and express ourselves.
"That's the plan; the focus is on Saturday and earning three points."
