Derby County v Barnsley – Valerien Ismael learning quickly after Reds loss proves revealing

In the wake of two positive, if contrasting home victories over QPR and Watford, which showed Barnsley’s attacking prowess alongside their batting qualities, the Reds crashed down to earth with a thump in Tuesday night’s 3-0 loss at Cardiff City.

On what proved to be the club’s most difficult 90 minutes of the season, Barnsley were second best to a physically strong and seasoned Cardiff side, who belied their indifferent start to the season to win at a canter.

It was an evening which revealed plenty to Ismael, who was handed ample food for thought on the long trip back.

While the Frenchman’s competitive spirit ensured that there was initial anger after a tough day at the office, he is also the first to admit that he also learned a fair bit about his squad that he maybe did not know before.

Ismael, whose side now face a Derby team who have not won on home soil in their past eight league matches, said: “When we win, it is easier and everybody is happy and there is a good feeling.

“But when we lose, you can directly see during the game or after that the most important thing is the next game in showing the attitude what we need and want to see.

“That is why I said after the (Cardiff) game that it is a learning process for us and it will be a good situation to see how the team react on Saturday. I am sure we will see a very different attitude and performance.

“After the game, the team was disappointed, for sure. But the focus was already on Derby.

“For sure, I am a winner and I want to win all the time and when you lose, it is not a good feeling because you don’t drive five hours from Barnsley to Cardiff and stay all day in the hotel to lose the game after.”

Admitting that the Cardiff game provided him with an insight as to why Barnsley must get better against physical opponents in the future, he added: “It was confirmation that we have to do better in the future and change our approach on such a game. Maybe tactically with the players and also for me and my staff, it was a new situation to see what we need in the Championship.

“You have to adapt your style and it will be good to see.”

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