Central defender Mads Andersen says he’s very excited about tomorrow’s Yorkshire Derby and is confident that the team can put in a good performance.
The Reds face Leeds United at Oakwell on Sunday and the defender cannot wait to play in front of his home crowd; he told us: “It’s a derby, so there’ll be a lot of our fans coming to support us. I am really excited for the game.
“I have played derby games back in Denmark before, and I know how much it means to the fans. We will do everything we can to win. I can’t wait, the atmosphere is going to be crazy.
“This league is very competitive, you can win or lose in every game. Especially in a derby. But a win is what we need. It would be perfect.”
The 6’5 Danish centre half made the move to Barnsley in the summer from Superliga side AC Horsens, and looks to have settled in quickly with a number of impressive displays so far.
“It has been fun, but very tough as well. It is very different to the Superliga, a different way of playing. I believe we as a team can do so much more.
"There's more to come from us.”
Collectively, the club’s recruitment team and Head Coach Daniel Stendel highlighted Andersen as a key player to bring in, someone who would be ready-made in playing the style of football the German wants. And that ability to be able to play out from the back has definitely shown so far.
“It’s been easy to adapt, the leagues are different but the style of play we’re playing is similar to what I am used to.” Andersen explained.
“The tempo is much quicker, but I feel very comfortable and understand what the Gaffer wants.”
The Reds travelled to the DW stadium before the international break and faced Wigan Athletic with a squad hit by injuries to key players, with the likes of Alex Mowatt, Cameron McGeehan and Bambo Diaby to name a few, all out.
But an impressive performance lead to the away side coming home with a share of the spoils.
“I think there were eight first team players out, but it shows that if everyone on the pitch has the right mentality we can win. It’s good because it shows everyone is ready. We have a 25-man squad and we all need to be ready for when we are called upon.”
Mads is one of a few Barnsley players to have started every game of the season so far and believes his performances have been okay but he knows he can play even better.
He explains: “I think I have had two or three good games, but I think I can do better. I believe I have been stable, but I can do better.
“It’s about settling in and steadily getting myself at a stronger level with the coaching team.”
