It was another disappointing afternoon for Gerhard Struber as he saw his side beaten for the third time in four league games, away at Boro on Saturday afternoon.
Struggling to create opportunities again, Barnsley were seen off by their hosts in the gloomy North East with a goal in each half enough for Middlesbrough.
Conceding right on half-time and then straight after the interval, the Reds weren't able to stage a comeback despite Cauley Woodrow's last-gasp penalty kick.
"It was the latest example," explained Struber. "Once more we see that we can have control in the game and work well in my style. But there is no output.
"There was no punch or power in our attacking areas.
"We don't have that clinical side or ruthlessness and we all know this."
The Head Coach had made three changes to the side who picked up the Reds' first league point a week earlier against Coventry City.
Back in the starting XI was Marcel Ritzmaier, whose role in midfield saw Callum Styles move to a left wing-back position. There was also a recall for Brad Collins in goal and summer signing Dominik Frieser was given another chance up front alongside Cauley Woodrow.
Austrian pair Freiser and Ritzmaier were both subbed off by the 51st minute whilst Collins failed to hold the initial shot that resulted in Chuba Akpom doubling Boro's lead.
Gerhard was clearly frustrated but spoke of the chance to improve things over the next couple of weeks.
"We need more strikers, or attacking midfielders. It is not easy for our team, our players or our supporters when they see us struggle like this to take chances.
"Boro's goals were not very good from our side either.
"It was another difficult task but we were up against another quality opponent and it is not easy for my boys. But I have trust in my players and the international break will give us the opportunity to work on the training ground.
"It is now 14 days and together we can improve our physical output and prepare for the next weeks."
