Valerien Ismael hails Barnsley FC's togetherness after derby win

BARNSLEY head coach Valerien Ismael was left to savour another enriching moment in his Reds tenure after his side came from behind to win a fourth match so far in December in dramatic fashion against fellow Yorkshire outfit Huddersfield Town at Oakwell.
Barnsley FC head coach Valerien Ismael.Barnsley FC head coach Valerien Ismael.
Barnsley FC head coach Valerien Ismael.

The Boxing Day hero for the Reds proved to be defender Michal Helik, who struck twice - including a dramatic 94th-minute winner - as Barnsley moved up to tenth place in the Championship with their ninth win in 14 matches under the Frenchman after a 2-1 success over Town.

For the fourth successive game, Barnsley conceded an early goal when Rarmani Edmonds-Green put Town in front on 13 minutes, but Helik levelled eight minutes later and then produced a stunner in added-on time - the prelude to touchline scenes of celebration between Ismael, his coaching staff and his ecstatic players.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Reds find themselves just three points behind the side currently occupying the final play-off spot in Watford.

On his side's victory, Ismael said: "It is a great feeling in football when you win the game in 90-plus minutes and that is why we are very delighted with the win. It was another comeback win where we came from one down and that is why it is very important to win the game.

"For sure, we have to analyse all the situations. In the first half, it was a good game from us and good pressing situations and exactly like we wanted. We won a lot of balls and forced a lot of mistakes and our transition was better. But the last pass was not good enough in the first half.

"In the second half, it was a poor game because of the wind and it was difficult and we played against the wind and the opponents played more long balls in behind and it was difficult to defend the ball. When you played to play yourself in behind, the ball came back quickly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Normally, the game would end 1-1, but we pushed the guys to the end because we knew that set-pieces would be a big part, especially in the Championship. That is why we have to believe all the time in our quality and this will give the guys more confidence for the game on Tuesday."

Specifically on the contribution from Helik, he added: "I am very happy for him and overjoyed with his performance. It was more stable.

"For him, it was maybe not too easy to change countries and get used to another culture and language and in a strong Championship. He needed to adapt and now we can see how his game is improving.

"Now he has rewards himself and it is very important to see that we get goals from not only Callum Styles and Cauley Woodrow and that the other guys can contribute to a winning game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This was the best answer to see how we count on every player. Every player is important for us.

"We need this mentality and we are improving with our togetherness. Here we won because of our togetherness."