Gerhard Struber praised his side’s character following the dramatic late victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Barnsley kept their Sky Bet Championship survival hopes alive thanks to Patrick Schmidt’s injury time winner at Oakwell, and can travel to Brentford on Wednesday with renewed hope and optimism.
“I’m very proud of my team, especially with our togetherness and our spirit to never give up,” began Struber. “We were very disciplined in the game style and I think, on the ball and off the ball, we had so much control against this massive opponent and I think my players worked so hard for this moment.
“We worked so hard for this goal and, in the end, we deserved a big victory in our situation. Now we have the final game on Wednesday and I hope we can reproduce a similar performance so it’s not so easy for Brentford against us.”
It looked as though it was going to be another one of those agonising games for the Reds, who, try as they might, were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.
Luke Thomas, Marcel Ritzmaier and Jacob Brown had all been denied by the woodwork, while debutant Matty Wolfe also saw an effort cleared off the line as Barnsley peppered the visiting goal.
But Barnsley weren’t to be denied as Schmidt swivelled to prod home from inside the six-yard box and spark scenes of elation on the touchline.
“It was a big, emotional moment for me, for Patrick and for the whole team,” recalled the Reds’ Head Coach, who, along with his backroom staff, raced onto the pitch. “It was a big explosion for everyone and sometimes it’s necessary to celebrate a goal.
“The team, the staff – everyone knows the quality in the team that they will fight and give the best that they can. We believe always that we can stay in the league; sometimes we need a little luck, but this moment showed me that we have good quality in the team and a big belief that we can stay in the league.”
You can watch Gerhard’s post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
