Ahead of our Sky Bet Championship clash at Reading on Saturday, Gerhard Struber has stressed the importance of performing to a high intensity to continue the fight for survival.
Barnsley have won three consecutive games against Fulham, Middlesbrough and Hull City to move within three points of safety, and another victory this weekend could potentially see them pull level with the teams above, depending on results elsewhere.
However, despite the recent upturn in fortunes, the Reds’ Head Coach has urged for more consistency – starting with the trip to the Madejski Stadium.
“Right now, let’s be clear here; we are in the relegation zone despite our good success in the last games,” asserted Struber. “So we cannot stop doing our work. As professionals, we must continue to show our quality and our fight to get out of the bottom three.
“I was proud of my team on Wednesday night. I saw a very good attitude and we got the result that we needed. Yesterday was about regeneration and recovery. There is a good feeling in the club right now and we should use this. The players and staff are confident, but there’s a long way to go.”
With others at the foot of the table also picking up points in recent weeks, more teams have been dragged into this enthralling relegation scrap.
Having picked up just one win in their last nine league outings, Reading are another one of those who are in danger of becoming embroiled in this basement battle, with the Royals sitting just five points above the drop zone.
Struber insists that Barnsley are focussing entirely on their own game and results, and is not worried by events elsewhere in the division.
“We must channel and focus the mind on our goals,” continued the Austrian. “There is nothing we can do about the other clubs, only ourselves can we influence, this continues in Reading tomorrow. It is a very big game again for us. Our focus is only on Reading.
“It’s also another chance to put on a performance for our great fans again. We can use the energy from the last games, from the crowd. We need to run hard; we must play with high intensity.
“We go to Reading fully prepared and in a good spirit.”
You can watch Gerhard’s press conference on iFollow Barnsley.
