The Reds striker reflected on an eventful affair at Elland Road on Wednesday evening which saw Michael Duff's side beaten 3-1 by Leeds United in Carabao Cup action.
The game could have been very different for the Reds, working a number of good chances and missing from the penalty spot.
However, despite the result, Cole believed that type of performance was required in reaction to the 3-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in the league on Saturday:
"On another day it's 3-3, it's 2-2, you might have even gone 3-2 up," he opened.
"We all put in a good performance and that's exactly the reaction we needed."
Being two goals down inside the opening half an hour is a less than ideal start against a Premier League outfit who are, so far this campaign, unbeaten.
The Reds fought back into the game and got one back quickly through Mads Andersen in the 35th minute. This reaction pleased both Michael Duff and Cole alike.
"I think we showed great character, 2-0 down, it could have been three or four," admitted the striker. "But, we got a goal, obviously we missed the penalty, it could have been 2-2.
"We got our heads down and we went again."
The occasion was one to savour for those involved on Wednesday, a Yorkshire derby under the lights at a packed-out Elland Road.
Cole felt he had a positive experience and gave a good account of himself against a stern test in Leeds.
"Yeah, I enjoyed it. You get on the ball, you try and impact the game. Do well and try and bring the team into positions where we can be dangerous."
Watch the full interview with Devante Cole on iFollow Barnsley here.
