Plymouth Argyle v Barnsley FC: Daniel Stendel's message to Luca Connell
BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel has seen enough of Luca Connell to know he is a serious player when performing at the top of his game at League One level.
With speculation surrounding his future now on pause for the time being, with the summer window deadline passing by with the midfielder still at Oakwell, the challenge now for the 25-year-old to display a strong mindset and showcase his talents in a division where he has previously excelled.
A minor injury had also stymied matters for Connell this term - while he has also seen the captain's armband go to Cameron McGeehan in a 2026-27 season which is yet to get going for him.
But the Liverpudlian is firmly in contention for Saturday's game at Plymouth Argyle.
Stendel said: "There were a lot of rumours about him whether he would stay or leave and the injury around the transfer window.
"I think he is also a player with really good quality for this league.
"I think for him it is important that his mindset is ready to say: 'I'm still here and play the best level I can play (at)'. I also said to him that I can see his quality, but also I believe that it is not the end of his improvement.
"I would like that he improved more in every training (session) and that he is, in the end, a better player.
"Not only the level what he has - which is good - but I also believe he can be a so much better player when he is still hard working in training. Then, he can help us a lot in the team."
Barnsley head into the game on the back of a heavy 5-1 home humbling to Stevenage, a streetwise third-tier team who exposed the hosts' fragilities in dealing with set-pieces on the day.
It was a sobering afternoon for the Reds after heading into the game on the back of three successive wins in all competitions - for the first time in almost a year.
Stendel is hoping that supporters will show a touch of perspective, given that the evolution of such a young group is bound to incorporate the odd setback or two.
The German, who could involve Ben Hamed Touré at Home Park for the first time since his recent move from FC Annecy, continued: "It's a bad experience when you lose the home game 5-1 and especially when we played the games before really well.
"We had three wins in a row and our own support in the stands in our stadium and it was a big chance to bring euphoria back in Oakwell.
"But I hope also that the fans understand that it can happen with such a young team.
"Also at Plymouth, I know it's the longest away trip in the season, but the young guys deserve support every week.
"Everybody likes more support when you win the games, but in a situation like last Saturday we need the support and the players need the support. I believe - and I would say this - to bring this trust back in the next couple of months.
"In training I can feel a lot of energy and I'm really positive to look forward to the game in Plymouth.”
Argyle’s home is a fairly happy hunting ground for the Reds, who have triumphed on four of their last seven visits.