Break gives Barnsley time to clear our heads, says Michael Solbauer

Michael Solbauer insists the uncertainty surrounding coach Gerhard Struber’s future is not affecting Barnsley’s players, but warns they have an important fortnight ahead.
Tykes head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture Tony JohnsonTykes head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture Tony Johnson
Tykes head coach Gerhard Struber. Picture Tony Johnson

The Reds go into the international break winless in this season’s Championship after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough and defender Solbauer says they must clear their heads, regroup, then work hard at rebuilding confidence. He thinks they will come out of it stronger.

Whether Struber will come with them is unclear as he is in talks about a move to New York Red Bulls.

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“Of course it’s a topic in the dressing room but this is part of the business everyone has to deal with it,” said compatriot Solbauer. “When the game is starting nobody thinks about that.

“I think now it’s important to get our heads a little bit off football. It was a short break after a very long, hard season for us mentally.

“We finished the last season very positively with a big escape and now we have bigger goals as a team. This is new for the team, especially the younger lads.

“Now is a good time to reflect and be hard on ourselves. By going through the process the team will grow. I am full of trust in my team.”

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Middlesbrough’s Chuba Akpom scored his second goal in as many matches since joining from PAOK Salonika, and manager Neil Warnock felt he contributed to a good team performance.

“He’s not as fit as he should be for the Championship but you can see he’s improving,” he said. “I thought everybody played for the team.”

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