New coach Stendel already having '˜positive' impact at Barnsley

JASON McCARTHY has paid tribute to the impact of Daniel Stendel '“ and believes that the Barnsley head coach has similarities with Mauricio Pochettino.
IMPRESSED: Barnsley's Jason McCarthy. Picture: Steve EllisIMPRESSED: Barnsley's Jason McCarthy. Picture: Steve Ellis
IMPRESSED: Barnsley's Jason McCarthy. Picture: Steve Ellis

The new Reds chief is putting his squad through their paces on a pre-season training camp in Hungary, having made a positive impact since joining the club.

Full-back McCarthy is one of those who has been impressed and believes that Stendel has similar traits to Tottenham Hotspur manager Pochettino, who he worked with during his time as a young player at Southampton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McCarthy said: “His sessions are really good. He is very ‘hands on’ and likes to be involved; he is a proper coach.

Barnsley FC head coach, Daniel Stendel, far right. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.Barnsley FC head coach, Daniel Stendel, far right. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.
Barnsley FC head coach, Daniel Stendel, far right. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.

“I enjoy working with those types. He reminds me of Pochettino a little bit and is very similar in being hands on. When you have those modern managers for young players, it can definitely fit.

“The philosophy he has tried to get across with the pressing style and attacking football is something that a young side really embraces. It is something we are really excited to be involved in.”

After doing it tough on the sidelines in the second half of last season, McCarthy is not short of motivation ahead of the new campaign on several fronts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ex-Wycombe Wanderers player admits he was left puzzled after falling out of the first-team picture with his frustration compounded by some personal problems and the sight of Barnsley failing to pull away from the Championship drop zone.

McCarthy, among a group of Reds players who sat with supporters when the club’s relegation was confirmed at Derby, said: “It was horrible. I was in the stands that day and the Barnsley fans were amazing, even when it was two or 3-0 to Derby.

“We have got to use that hurt to do something special this season and turn it around.

“The second half of the season was horrible for me in being out of the side and spending a lot of the time being out of the squad.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I started the season really well and felt I was having a good impact for the team. In the game I had come out, I had just won player of the month a day earlier and in my head, it was hard to accept for a good couple of months.

“I had a few problems off the pitch as well and it was a difficult time for me. But I have been through that and come out the other side.”