Valerien Ismael on why transfer window was so important for Barnsley FC

After a narrow and unlucky Cup exit to Chelsea, the Reds showed no ill effects or vestiges of tiredness in Sunday’s outstanding victory against the Bees, who suffered their first league loss in 22 matches.

It was arguably the Championship stand-out result of the season as Barnsley tamed a high-flying side who have scored 17 goals in their previous four league matches.

Ismael’s squad resources enabled him to rotate his front players with a by-product of the fact that no main stars were sold last month being that he can also freshen up his side in future weeks.

By being able to do that, Ismael, whose side welcome Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, believes that his squad will be able to continue to successfully play their high-pressing and high-energy game.

Ismael said: “They were two excellent games in terms of intensity and quality in the way we play football.

“We have more possibilities now to build. We did it against Brentford and it was a very important thing that we kept all the players in the winter transfer (window) and added some quality because now you see exactly why it was important to fight for every player.

“We now have the rewards from this job and I have more possibilities in front to give the guys some breaks in one game and to be fresh for the next game.

“That is why we will have some fresh players for the game against Blackburn.

“Our purpose is to sustain the performance. For sure, it is possible. Normally, you do not have such a schedule and I think it is only through the pandemic that you have such a crazy schedule and normally, you have more time between the games and to recover. But we have a squad with rotation and it will not be a problem to keep the intensity.

“We have done it so far and have sustained the intensity. It is important to stay this way and 100 per cent and we need to have the players stayed focused and hungry to keep moving with the points and in the table to reach our goals.”

Despite gaining plaudits on a national level for an excellent Cup performance versus Thomas Tuchel’s Blues and their fantastic win at Brentford, Ismael insists there is plenty more to come from his side, who are seeking their first home league win of the new year tomorrow.

He added: “We are not satisfied at the minute. We got a lot of pride last week, but last week is now finished and it is a new week with important games for us.

“We have confidence on our side and need to keep the momentum going. We need to go on another good run and keep going and this is my focus and expectation.”

Aapo Halme is back in training, but will not be involved against Rovers, while Barnsley have no fresh injury issues.