Ben Whiteman top of Barnsley wishlist as Gerhard Struber seeks to build on defensive platform

Barnsley head coach Gerhard Struber believes his side have the defensive platform to build on last season’s success.
By Stuart Rayner
Published 31st Aug 2020, 16:45 BST
Ben Whiteman: Doncaster midfielder remains on Barnsley’s transfer wishlist. (Picture: Marie Caley)Ben Whiteman: Doncaster midfielder remains on Barnsley’s transfer wishlist. (Picture: Marie Caley)
Ben Whiteman: Doncaster midfielder remains on Barnsley’s transfer wishlist. (Picture: Marie Caley)

The Reds pulled off a remarkable escape from relegation on the final night of Championship football in 2019-20. And whilst the Austrian’s early days in charge were characterised by good attacking play undermined by poor defending, he turned that around in the second half of the season, often employing a back three after the coronavirus lockdown.

After shipping four goals in going out of the FA Cup at League One Portsmouth in January, Barnsley conceded just 15 goals in 17 Championship matches, and Struber believes they have picked up where they left off in pre-season.

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“Our defensive structure, the back three and all the other players are working close together with a good structure and good distances and I think it’s so difficult to create chances against us,” he said.

Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber (Picture: PA)Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber (Picture: PA)
Barnsley manager Gerhard Struber (Picture: PA)

“It’s good to see. It gives me a good feeling and I think everyone is very happy.”

It has been a positive pre-season for Barnsley, with no repeat of the sales of top young players that had been a feature of recent summers.

The only players to leave so far have been on the fringes of the squad, and they have invested in LASK winger Dominik Frieser and are interested in Doncaster Rovers midfielder Ben Whiteman.

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Perhaps even more importantly, despite losing two members of his coaching staff, Struber has stayed at Oakwell. Reported Watford interest at the start of the summer would have had supporters fearing the worst.

Brentford's Said Benrahma (left) and Barnsley's Marcel Ritzmaier on a dramatic final day of the season (Picture: PA)Brentford's Said Benrahma (left) and Barnsley's Marcel Ritzmaier on a dramatic final day of the season (Picture: PA)
Brentford's Said Benrahma (left) and Barnsley's Marcel Ritzmaier on a dramatic final day of the season (Picture: PA)

Barnsley’s season starts on Saturday with a League Cup first-round visit from Nottingham Forest, followed by an opening Championship game at home to Luton Town seven days later.

“At the end of last season everyone played very well and now everyone knows what the manager wants,” said Marcel Ritzmaier.

“We’ve had a good two weeks (of pre-season) and everyone is confident and in a good shape. We’re looking forward to the start.”

Struber echoed his optimism.

“At the moment I am happy, happy with the attitude of every single player,” he commented. “We’re looking forward to a big opponent in our first cup game.”

Related topics:Ben WhitemanBarnsleyDominik FrieserDoncaster RoversLuton Town

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