Our Head Coach gave us his thoughts as the Reds prepare to take on Bournemouth this weekend.
ON PLAYER AVAILABILITY
“Jordan Williams is in a good way, but he still isn’t training with the team. It might be another week or so. But with Mads Andersen, we are still taking our time. It’s his first ever big injury so we have to make sure he’s right. He isn’t ready just yet, but all the signs are positive.
“We have to handle the Liam Kitching situation, we’ll find a solution for that, don’t worry. He will learn from this, Liam. We’d already seen it a few times with him, where he got involved in situations. It’s a learning curve, he’s a young guy.
“We’ll have to see how Michał Helik is feeling too ahead of this weekend. He is back today. So lots of plans to sort out. But we’ve got options, we have ideas, guys who are waiting for a chance. We shall see.”
CARLTON MORRIS
“It’s looking like October, but he is a very important player for us, so like Mads, we will not rush him. He’s a strong boy, he’s very professional and a positive guy so we could see him return quicker, but there’s no rush there from us.
“We are excited to have him back with us, but it’ll be another few weeks.”
ON RECRUITMENT
“With Aaron Leya Iseka he will be a big option for us this weekend. He’s going to be a good player for us. But Obbi Oularé is still working with us in terms of fitness, there’s a little time to go there, he's had an issue with his back, but when he is up to speed, he will be a very interesting player for us.
“With Rémy Vita we are going to be getting a very young but really talented player on the left side that we needed. Another option for us there. But he’s not yet available, we’re hoping that changes next week. And Claudio Gomes is exactly what we were looking for in the middle of the pitch. He is a huge talent and our relationship with big clubs is improving all the time.
“These clubs trust Barnsley, they trust the process and know that we will be looking after their good young players.”
ON OUTGOINGS
“It’s great that we’ve kept our squad together. Our key players. Some of these players had awesome seasons last year, but they are staying with us and hopefully they can reproduce again.
“We had to let a couple of players go out and get games on loan. It wasn’t about their quality or attitude, it’s about getting them minutes and it’s the perfect solution all round for all parties.”
ON BOURNEMOUTH
“It’s a great team with a lot of quality in every part of the squad, they haven’t lost a game. But we are looking forward to it. We want to take on the best teams. We are excited by the challenge.
“The players remember last season and know what they are capable of. It won’t be an easy game for us, but history shows they are more than ready to go and win this type of game again.
“We have more options now, more flexibility, we have more chances to react with the squad we’ve now got. We have more solutions. It’s about making the most of the tools we have, starting Saturday.”
