Following our 2-0 defeat at Preston North End on Saturday afternoon, Valérien Ismaël expressed his displeasure at a performance that wasn’t in keeping with the Reds’ high standards over the course of this magnificent season.
Barnsley were undone by goals in either half from Jordan Storey and Ched Evans at Deepdale, and our Head Coach wants his side to rediscover their mojo ahead of the play-offs.
“Before we speak about the result, we need to speak about the performance,” began Ismaël, speaking to iFollow Barnsley. “The performance was really disappointing; the concentration was not there when you see how we conceded two goals from two set-pieces – it’s easy to defend but you have to stay switched on and embrace the fight.
“It’s a learning process now for the guys to see that, in the play-offs, we need another performance. We need to refocus, find our intensity and find our way back to our strength.”
One positive from an easily forgettable encounter was another appearance for academy graduate Jasper Moon, who was introduced at the interval.
It’s the youngster’s second involvement this campaign since making his debut at Rotherham United in December, and Ismaël insisted the 20-year-old earnt his opportunity after impressing in training.
“In the last two or three weeks he was brilliant in training and raised all the time the performance,” praised the Frenchman. “For us, it was the feeling now to give him the chance because he deserved it from the performance in training.”
You can watch Valérien’s post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
