Barnsley FC must be 'brave' against Chelsea, insists Gerhard Struber

BARNSLEY head coach Gerhard Struber has urged his players to be brave in Wednesday's marquee Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea and is confident that his young Reds squad will not be intimidated.
Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.
Barnsley FC head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture: Tony Johnson.

The Reds make their first trip to Stamford Bridge in over two decades for a third-round encounter and are massive underdogs to progress.

But upsetting the odds is something that Struber has previously proved proficient at during his time at his native Austria at Wolfsberger, who stunned Borussia Monchengladbach in a 4-0 triumph and drew with Roma in their opening two group matches in the Europa League last season.

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Struber, who reports no fresh injury problems, said: "It is a big game for me and my boys and the club.

"We play against a special team with special key players and it is a nice feeling for everyone to play against Chelsea.

"This is my first time at Stamford Bridge and against an opponent on this level. It is a special feeling and challenge, but I like challenges at this level and we have to be brave on the field.

"I trust my boys and my whole squad that we can play a good game. After that, we will see with the result.

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"It is clear that Chelsea are a big, big favourite. But never give up, that is always our goal and we believe we can make a good performance and in the end, we will see with the result.

"It is always important that you believe and I belueve in my boys.

"After Chelsea, we have a big game in the Championship. Against Chelsea, we have a chance to grow up in our style.

"It is the best place for education, but I hope we do not have running moments against us, but a situation to show we are professional players, but to show Chelsea that Barnsley is not only a nice place, but also ready for good football.

"It is a bonus game and I think we have a very good starting 11."

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