Barnsley FC midfielder Vimal Yoganathan reveals forthright advice from 'very passionate' Daniel Stendel
VIMAL Yoganathan's successful return to action has been one of the few positives for Barnsley during a pretty arduous autumn so far.
The Wales under-21 midfielder broke a bone in his leg during a pre-season game at York City in July.
After focussing all his energy on rehabilitation, the 20-year-old made an earlier-than-expected return in the League One game with Leicester City on September 19 - and feels he has become mentally stronger through his experiences.
Yoganathan said: "I had such a clear goal of what I wanted.
"I wanted to put on a bit of size and come back quicker than what was planned with the timeline. When I had just those two (things) in my mind, it was pretty easy for me and I'd got no other choice. It was simple.
"It was graft and just letting time do its thing. I guess it has, because I feel like I've come back stronger and I've come back quicker as well."
Yoganathan has scored three times in seven matches since returning and is following head coach Daniel Stendel's advice to the letter.
He admits that the German can be forthright at times, but he has no issue with that.
Yoganathan, who netted in last weekend's loss at Reading, added: "He's very passionate. After games, you can see he's quite emotional with how we played (lately) and the results.
"At times, it's tough to hear feedback that you don't want to hear. But I think, at times, we need it.
"And, you know, we've had a lot of that this year already.
"I think, moving forward, hopefully, we can begin to learn and move on from these experiences.
"For me, he has spoken about getting goals and assists. He wants more of that from me.
"I didn't get many goals or assists last year.
"So, if I can add that to my game, he feels it can take me to another level.
"He just wants me to be quite energetic and get back and forth (up and down the pitch)."
Barnsley are currently on a very difficult run of results and head into Saturday’s home match against Oxford United on the back of a six-game losing sequence in all competitions.
The Reds, who find themselves in the relegation zone, currently have the worst home form in League One, having picked up just four points from a possible 15.