After our relegation from the Sky Bet Championship was confirmed with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town, Poya Asbaghi says it is a case of everyone bouncing back as a collective.
The Reds, 11 points adrift with four games remaining heading into the Yorkshire derby, made the worst possible start as Jordan Rhodes headed in with four minutes on the clock before Harry Toffolo doubled the Terriers’ lead on the stroke of half-time.
Callum Styles’ excellent strike deep into stoppage time proved to be little more than a consolation, with Barnsley’s fate already well and truly sealed.
“Somehow, you’re mentally prepared for it, even though as a team we really wanted to avoid this as much as possible – try to postpone it, even, as much as possible,” said Asbaghi.
“We could not do it; the relegation is a fact.
“Of course, it’s disappointing, but it’s also a time where you, sooner or later, have to bounce back as individuals to be able to go through it, and as well as a club to be able to bounce back.
“You have to keep looking forward somehow.”
Our head coach paid tribute to the Reds’ faithful, who have travelled up and down the country in what has been a disappointing campaign and also backed the team at Oakwell too.
Your continued support is invaluable, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
“They have the right to be disappointed; they have the right to be angry – as are all of us that are involved,”continued Asbaghi. “Of course, we have to take responsibility as well.
“I just want to say thank you for all the support. There has been a lot of them and I recognise a lot of faces that have been at all the away games, and they should have credit – especially in this moment.
“I’m confident with the support that they are showing that they can help the team to come back where they want it.”