Following our 2-0 friendly victory over Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon, Gerhard Struber praised his side’s work ethic and mentality, believing it is the ideal preparation for the remaining nine Sky Bet Championship games.
Elliot Simoes and Callum Styles were on target as Barnsley overcame their Premier League opponents behind closed doors at Bramall Lane, and the Reds’ Head Coach praised his young players for their hard work in the past few weeks.
“We won against massive opponents and I’m especially happy about the performance from the boys,” began Struber. “We had a very good structure against the ball, a very good self-motivation from every player and a balance between heart and brain.
“For me, it is a good feeling that I can see many boys can make a good performance and I am happy. It is very important for me and my boys that this is only a friendly game and it is a good feeling; we have high-intensity values and it is a good signal for me that we are ready for the start.”
Several first team players got valuable minutes under their belts, with the 2019/20 campaign set to resume in a week’s time.
Barnsley travel to Queens Park Rangers next Saturday and Struber is optimistic that his team can produce a performance similar to the one against the Blades in order to build a strong foundation for the end of season survival charge.
“This was one big collective effort against big opponents,” continued the Austrian. “We always needed a team performance and this was a mirror, for me. When we are clear in my style and clear in our task and with the right motivation, with a good balance, it is very difficult to play against Barnsley.
“This is our big goal that every game in the next few weeks is a very difficult game for our opponents. We fought for every metre today and this was the key for success and we need the same effort, the same discipline and the same motivation for the next difficult task at QPR.
“The tactical and physical values today are going in the right direction – this gives me a good feeling for the next task. What we’ve worked on in the last few days has helped to make this a difficult task for the opponent.”
Although football is returning without supporters, Struber believes the unwavering Reds fanbase can still play a huge part between now and the final game at Brentford.
Our Head Coach is hoping you can channel your positive energy to the players and help spur them on as they look to secure Championship football at Oakwell next season.
“I hope they send the team a good energy; we need the right words on social media and for them to cross their fingers for us,” asserted Struber. “I hope, when we come back in normal life, the fans come back to Championship football. That’s my big goal.”
