Conor Hourihane admits to going 'ballistic' at his Barnsley FC players midway through Wigan Athletic draw
Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane has admitted to going “ballistic” after his side’s woeful first-half showing against Wigan Athletic.
The out-of-form Reds were a goal down at the break having conceded just six minutes into their New Year’s Day fixture.
Dara Costelloe gave the Latics an early lead and there was plenty of anger among the travelling supporters.
However, a second-half goal from Adam Phillips ensured Barnsley did not suffer a fourth consecutive defeat.
Conor Hourihane’s fury
Hourihane said: “We were absolutely awful in the first half and I went ballistic at half-time.
“They get a lot of detail and clarity but it’s all nonsense if the players don’t want to run around and show heart and desire. At least in the second half they had a bit of motivation to run around.
“It’s a bit quiet in this stadium. But that shouldn’t matter whether it’s a small crowd or big crowd. You should still have that motivation to want to be a professional footballer every single day.
“I let them know that at half-time and second half they showed they cared which is pleasing.
“The Barnsley fans want to see a team who work, run and have intensity. That was a proper 45 minutes but it shouldn’t take me going ballistic.
“I can go to bed tonight and sleep a little bit because at least I have a group who showed me they care a little bit.”
Luca Connell’s red card
Barnsley lost their captain Luca Connell to a red card with six minutes of normal time remaining after he kicked out at Wigan’s Will Aimson.
Hourihane said: “He’s pretty quiet. He came up to me and apologised. He will know he made a mistake and one he will have to suffer from.”
Wigan boss Ryan Lowe, meanwhile, said: “It’s the heat of the moment, but you can’t stud someone in the midriff and not get a red card.”