Barnsley v Nottingham Forest - Frenetic schedule is nothing new to Reds coach

MENTION Barnsley’s intense schedule over the coming weeks and there are no surprises as far as Valerien Ismael is concerned.

The perception is that the football itinerary in continental countries, in comparison to England, is much more benevolent.

It is not necessarily the case, with Reds head coach Ismael’s experiences last season at LASK preparing him for what he has let himself in for at his new club.

The 2019-20 campaign saw LASK play 51 matches in total.

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After 22 games, the Austrian Bundesliga split into a championship and relegation round to fit in a further 10 matches, while LASK also competed in Champions League qualifiers and reached the knock-out stages of the Europa League, while also progressing to the latter stages of the Austrian Cup.

It was a time when rest was every bit as important as work on the training ground and, after some key work during the international break to cement his style of play in the minds of his Barnsley players, Ismael is likely to ease off as the focus moves to games and recovery.

As for the fixture schedule, it is something he is ready for.

Ismael, whose Reds side are afforded home advantage in four of their next six matches, said: “It is a good challenge.

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“But it was the same situation last season with the league and Champions League qualification and Europa League (at LASK) and that is why I have a lot of experience now and I will try and use this for the guys to have a good feeling when we stay under pressure and the guys need a little bit more rest or recovery or a day off.

“During the break, it was very important to work clinically on each detail and explain to the guys exactly what we want to see in each area of the pitch and what happens out of possession and also in possession and what has happened so far against our pressing. We have made a big analysis of the situation.

“The guys are more confident about what will happen against us and we are ready for the next incredible block.”

One thing that Ismael will not be doing at this comparatively early stage is falling into the trap of looking at the league table.

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He added: “It is too early. There are 35 games still to play and it is a long, long way and I know this.

“I only look at Nottingham Forest as the first step and after the next game and the next game.”

The frenetic schedule will also ensure that Ismael is afforded little downtime, with work commitments governing his life as Barnsley fit in 11 matches before the end of 2020.

It is something he is prepared for, with the hope of a precious spot of family time over Christmas if circumstances allow.

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Ismael continued: “For me, it is okay as we have a good organisation here and my apartment is two minutes from the training ground and it is like being in a bubble. I have training, eating and my apartment and back and then work all the time with my staff and I am completely focused.

“I am waiting for the new rules after the lockdown and then we hope my family can come for Christmas over here as it is also very important.”

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