The Reds' Head Coach was a proud man when giving us his post-match thoughts following the 1-0 win in the capital.
“The mood is great."
A solitary goal was all that was necessary at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium for a win that has stoked the fire of Championship survival.
Gerhard Struber talked all week of his plan to overcome a Rangers side pushing for a playoff spot, and a slight change of system and one or two notable changes in personnel certainly paid off for the Austrian coach and his charges.
The boss was delighted post-match, telling us: "In the last weeks we have spent a lot of time working on our style and in the first half against QPR especially, we created a very good game. We had a lot of control, we had good triggers for our pressing and counter-pressing. It was very difficult for QPR to play against us.
“Our defensive structure, our spirit, our energy and our teamwork against the opponent was the key.
"The second was a half for the boys to show me the mental side of their game and their character. We played a team with high quality but we stood shoulder to shoulder. It is not normal that Barnsley win in London against QPR. So it’s very important.
"We know our situation, we need points.”
Gerhard was quick to move on to the next challenge though, pointing to next weekend's first game back on home soil.
The Reds welcome Millwall to Oakwell behind-closed-doors on Saturday for a 1pm kick-off and the Head Coach knows it won't be easy, but hopes yesterday's success has given his players added belief going into the Lions clash.
“Every point is very important." Struber declared.
"The only thing we achieve today is one very good performance to pick up the three points. We work step by step from game to game. Today we succeed.
“I hope this result gives every single player good self-confidence and we don’t think every day about the gap. We need all of our energy to win games.
“We have Sunday and Monday free but then we will begin again on Tuesday with our training. We will train with a good intensity and a smart load.”
One of the surprise inclusions at Loftus Road was midfielder Romal Palmer. The 21-year-old has been at Oakwell for five years and finally made his first team debut against the Hoops, putting in a solid first half showing.
Goalkeeper Jack Walton also made his first appearance under Struber, and registered a pleasing clean sheet in his first start in nearly 15 months.
“Romal is a big talent and he has shown me he is a professional player who is ready to play in the Championship. He was strong in the fight and clear in the plan and he has good skills. I am very happy with him.
“Jack is - at the moment - the goalkeeper with the best feeling. He has an advantage over Sami Radlinger and Brad Collins. We hope he can keep his performance levels up, just like today.”
