Speaking after our 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon, Markus Schopp says there are plenty of positives to take from a productive week both on the training ground and in pre-season friendlies.
In blistering South Yorkshire heat, the Reds’ squad got more valuable minutes in the tank as preparations for the upcoming campaign continued.
“It was a tough week,” admitted Schopp. “We had a lot of practice sessions and the guys did really well in the first game that we had during the week, but in these conditions it was a good test, a good game and a good team we were playing against. So, I take a lot out of the game.”
Our Head Coach has already implemented his style, with our energetic pressing philosophy complimented by a slick, quick passing approach that allows us to build from the back and retain possession.
While performances thus far have been decent, Schopp insists that there is much room for improvement ahead of the new season and is keen to iron out the creases before we get underway at Cardiff City.
“I think we can do it much better, to be honest,” continued the Austrian. “On the other hand, we had a couple of transition moments where we didn’t have this hunger or desire to finish this moment.
“It’s all a mix of good work off the ball, good work in possession in the transition moment and, even with the set-pieces, we have to be better. It’s been three weeks now and we have a couple weeks more, but we have time to improve.”
Goals from Jordan Williams and Clarke Oduor in either half sealed victory over the Owls, who had chances of their own over the course of the game but were left frustrated by Jack Walton.
Wins breed confidence and generate momentum, and Schopp has been impressed with the strength and depth in the Oakwell changing room.
“A good result is always important; it makes you feel more comfortable,” he said. “There’s a lot of quality that we have with players who are on the side and it’s up to us now to figure out which system we want to go on.
“The players give me the ideas with the passion they work with and the energy, and it gives me a good feeling.”
You can watch Markus’ post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.