Why perfectionist Valerien Ismael is not happy at Barnsley FC

The Barnsley chief is a perfectionist and while he has received justified pats on the back for the Reds’ stirring renaissance under his watch, do not let it be said he is entirely happy.

Ahead of Barnsley’s trip to Watford on Tuesday evening, it has not escaped his attention that his side have not kept a clean sheet at Championship level in 12 matches since their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on November 21.

If his side are to maintain their progress and position in the top half of the table - and maybe think a touch higher - it is something that will have to change.

Ismael was critical of his side’s poor concessions in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Swansea at Oakwell.

A chance to make amends arrives tonight and while he was happy to see his defenders angry with themselves after the weekend errors gifted both goals to the Swans, he now wants to see action and not words after changing a few things in terms of the Reds’ defensive set-up.

Ismael, a former centre-half himself, said: “It (anger) was a good sign, but it did not help us. We need to see this on the pitch and in the performance.

“Watford is another possibility to defend better with the positioning and be more clinical and to try and get a clean sheet.

“It is our purpose to give everything to try and get a clean sheet and we have to work on it.

“It was not only about communication. It was the set-up and the positioning and the opponent making some blocks to get a player clear and that is why we have to change this and adapt and give the solution for the other games.”

Tuesday’s trip to Hertfordshire continues the Reds’ testing start to the new year with a Cup tie with Championship leaders Norwich City following on Saturday ahead of a rearranged home game with a physical Cardiff side who have caused Barnsley problems in the past.

Ismael observed: “It is a tough time, but we are looking only one by one and the focus is there for Watford and we are looking at what we have to invest to win this game.

“Our pressing situation will be a new one because of the new manager who has a new way to play football and a new formation and shape.

“That is why we are only focused on Watford.”

Barnsley winger Luke Thomas is set to complete a loan move to Ipswich, according to reports in Suffolk.