After guiding Barnsley to three precious points against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday evening, Gerhard Struber praised the attitude of his players and their ability to alternate fluidly between formations.
A tactical tweak at half-time saw the Reds change from a back three – a system that has worked well since returning from lockdown – to a diamond, a switch that ultimately proved decisive.
“In this game, three times we changed the formation and, right now, the boys are ready for changed formations within a game and this is, especially for the opponents, a big surprise when you can change the formation,”insisted Struber. “In the second half, we had more control and played more football. We showed everyone the right face.
“The versatility to play in many formations is a big impact and I think this is, for every opponent a challenge. Right now, we can change systems and also we have the right attitude in our principals and the mix of that is a key for success.”
Goals from Conor Chaplin and Jacob Brown sealed a priceless victory for Barnsley, who are now one point from safety with six games remaining.
The Reds’ task was made somewhat easier with the dismissal of Rovers’ Ben Brereton, but nothing should be taken away from the hosts, who dug deep and kept a third consecutive clean sheet to boost their survival hopes.
It’s a result that also dents Blackburn’s play-off aspirations, with Tony Mowbray’s side now five points outside the top six.
“I think it’s a massive win against a big opponent,” continued Struber. “It’s very helpful; this win gives everyone a very, very good feeling and in a special time. Three games after the lockdown, seven points and three clean sheets, I think we are on the right way with the right attitude and we are looking forward.
“We have the next big task on Saturday against Stoke; this was a very good job but we have to produce this job in every game. This is my and my boys’ responsibility in this difficult time and every game is a big challenge. At the moment we have the right mindset about winning.
“For us, it’s a very good feeling at the moment; three games and also these performances. For everyone, this is a big motivation trigger at this time when we look forward. The next big opponents are waiting for us and we need also in these next games a big attitude – we need that until the last game.
“This is nip and tuck until the last game and we need a special attitude and an energy together, and this is the key in the end.”
You can watch Gerhard’s full post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
