Gerhard Struber insists his focus is solely on Barnsley despite interest from other clubs

BARNSLEY head coach Gerhard Struber has revealed that his representatives have been speaking with other clubs ‘in the last few weeks and months’ - amid strong interest linking him with the vacant position at New York Red Bulls.
Barnsley head coach Gerhard Struber, right, shakes hands with Callum Styles at full-time at Oakwell after the 0-0 draw with Coventry. Picture: Richard Sellers/PABarnsley head coach Gerhard Struber, right, shakes hands with Callum Styles at full-time at Oakwell after the 0-0 draw with Coventry. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Barnsley head coach Gerhard Struber, right, shakes hands with Callum Styles at full-time at Oakwell after the 0-0 draw with Coventry. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

The Austrian, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Championship trip to Middlesbrough, has been the subject of a formal approach from the MLS franchise, but he insists that his current sole focus is on ‘the here and now’ and the trip to the Riverside.

Struber, who has a buy-out clause in his contract which allows him to speak to other clubs if the fee is met, was a target of Watford in the summer before they opted for and other continental clubs have been monitoring his situation.

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On his future and the links with the Red Bulls position, Struber said:

FOCUSSED: Barnsley head coach, Gerhard Struber.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonFOCUSSED: Barnsley head coach, Gerhard Struber.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
FOCUSSED: Barnsley head coach, Gerhard Struber. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Struber said: “The situation is always the same, like the last week. Some clubs have interest in me, but not (any) more (new clubs).

“I think we have had a very good training this week and the boys have a big focus in this game tomorrow and at the moment for me, my team and the whole club, it is the most important thing. The other things are normal in football.

“My concentration and focus is on Barnsley. My agent and management has been talking with some clubs in the last few weeks and months and for me, my focus is here in Barnsley and to prepare the boys in the right direction.

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“What is after the game and in the next few months, I cannot say. I have a contract here and we will see what the time brings. But my focus is in the here and now and not giving a reaction to what comes from outside.

“I think my players know the situation around me and I think the last few weeks and months, the media have always reported about clubs that have interest in me and I think the boys handled that in a very good direction.

“We have a good focus and training this week and know it is the right time to bring a big performance.”

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