Gerhard Struber’s Barnsley FC are in a better place ahead of Rovers return

AFTER watching his Barnsley players trudge disconsolately off the pitch at Ewood Park in late November, Gerhard Struber can reflect upon them travelling a fair way since.

Winter was coming and there was cold comfort for the Austrian in his first outing in charge after seeing his Reds side implode defensively in a 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers which was totally self-inflicted.

Orchestrating a safety mission looked a million miles away given the back-four ineptitude that ravaged Barnsley’s opening half of the season.

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A microcosm of their sorry campaign arrived in excruciating fashion on that Lancashire day.

onor Chaplin was thrown on up front as a half-time substitute during Barnsley’s 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers back in November. Picture: Getty Imagesonor Chaplin was thrown on up front as a half-time substitute during Barnsley’s 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers back in November. Picture: Getty Images
onor Chaplin was thrown on up front as a half-time substitute during Barnsley’s 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers back in November. Picture: Getty Images

Struber would have been forgiven for wondering what he had let himself in for, reinforced by a defeat in the Reds’ next game at Middlesbrough when they were once again architects of their own downfall in a 1-0 defeat

The Oakwell head coach is entitled to feel a bit better about events since.

If the league table was based purely on results since the end of November, Struber’s side would be comfortably in mid-table and nowhere near the Championship relegation zone.

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Unfortunately it is not. A damaging opening third of the campaign means that Barnsley, just as they have been for nearly all of 2019-20, remain in serious strife and are fighting against the clock – for all their strides forward.

An assiduous and driven head coach, Struber is plainly the sort who will always want more.

Barnsley may have posted five clean-sheets in their past seven outings, but offensively, the statistics are not so convincing of late with just three goals notched in the club’s previous six Oakwell matches. It has been duly noted.

That needs to change quickly if Barnsley are to retain their second-tier status, but expect Struber to have a plan or two – and maybe even the odd curveball.

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Reflecting on his side’s progress after his maiden game in charge, Struber, whose side have won four of their past sevengames, losing just twice, said: “We have made a big step in all directions.

“It (Blackburn away) was a difficult game with the set-pieces which made the difference and we had problems from the physical side.

“When you speak about our build-up, position and our plan against the ball, especially in set-pieces, we have a completely new attitude in defence.

“The team have grown up and made a big development and the results and performances have given everyone the answer at the moment.

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“We must bring more efficiency work in the plan in the last third. When we go with good forward runnings in the last line, we need more good decision-making in the games we play.

“Clearly if we have more players in the box, it is an advantage.”

“But it is important we protect our momentum and the last two games gives everyone a good feeling.”

Refreshing his line-up has come into his thoughts ahead of his side’s Rovers’ return, with Conor Chaplin among those at the forefront of his mind.

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A personal catalyst in his season arrived when he was thrown on up front by Struber at the interval in the reverse fixture on November 23 and it is likely he will be promoted back to the starting line-up after two appearances from the bench tonight (6pm).

“Conor is always a big topic for me. He is a very important player for us and his behaviour is very professional,” Struber added.

“It is not so easy when you sit on the bench, but he has shown me he is very professional and will help the team.”

“Maybe he is a starter, we will see.”

While the sight of Chaplin starting would be no surprise this evening, the elevation of Mads Andersen back into the line-up upon football’s resumption after a hitherto torrid season was more head-turning, but Struber’s faith has been vindicated thus far.

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The Covid-19 hiatus may have been tough for everyone, but for Andersen, it at least enabled him to recharge, reflect and regroup.

On the reasons for the Dane’s recent upturn, Struber observed: “When we look back at Mads’ performances, it was up and down in the league and sometimes, it is not easy for a young player when he is in the relegation fight.

“We have to understand this is not a normal situation for a young player. Sometimes, they can go down with the performance.

“Especially the break – after the games with the mistakes – I think he has a clear mindset and knows what I need for him and I think this is the key.

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“I have always a good trust in him, but sometimes, it is good when a player gets a break. For him, it was very important to look at the game from the other side.”

Last six games: Barnsley WWLLWD; Blackburn

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