Barnsley FC must become more 'ruthless' says Valerien Ismael

In his eight games at the helm so far since taking over in late October, the Frenchman has seen his side win five times.

Only Brentford boast better form in the division over the past eight matches.

The Reds' latest success arrived at Birmingham City on Tuesday evening when they came from behind to win a game in the second tier for the first time since April 2018.

It has set Barnsley up nicely for Friday's televised game at home to Bournemouth. A home victory would see Ismael's side move into the top half of the table.

But Ismael is seeking much more from his squad.

Ismael, who will be again be without Jordan Williams, who could return to training next week, said: "We can improve in a lot of areas.

"We are very well organised and press very well and the team spirit is very good.

"Now we show the next level in our mentality to come back in a game when we are one down.

"It is very important for the players. But we also have other areas where we had to improve.

"We must become more efficient in terms of taking chances to goals and must avoid mistakes because the opponents are punishing us at the moment.

"When you concede those type of goals, you have to come back and it costs a lot of energy.

"When you play every three games, it could be very, very dangerous. We must become more ruthless.

"Now we know this and work with the guys. For sure, we need the next step in this game tomorrow with more efficiency and avoiding mistakes and being more ruthless."