DARRELL Clarke is delighted with the work Barnsley have done on the training pitch over the last fortnight but admits it will only be worthwhile if his players show an improvement on the pitch over an important next week.
The Reds are 11th in League One with 15 points from ten games, but have won just one of their last seven in all competitions and none of their last four while their recent performances have been disappointing. They are due to visit Blackpool tomorrow then host Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.
They have not had a league game for a fortnight since a 2-0 loss at Huddersfield Town, then they played in the EFL Trophy the following Tuesday against the same opponents and were beaten by the same scoreline.
Barnsley have had an intense two weeks on the training pitch, with regular double sessions while they trained throughout the weekend – as they try to improve on what has been an underwhelming start to the season.
Clarke told the Chronicle: “We’ve been getting a lot of attacking patterns going, focusing on our press and counter-press.
“We’re just making sure that all areas that we have been lacking in in the last two or three weeks, which are a lot, we get better at.
“It’s OK doing that in training, and the coaching is top-notch, but we have to turn that into a performance on matchday. That’s the key – being able to take the shackles off and show what I have seen in training in games.
“It’s a big week with big games but every game is big to me. The league is very competitive this season with 14 to 16 teams potentially capable of getting in the top six. We’re one of them. You can see that by the league table.”
Asked if he thought his squad had enough quality to get in the top six, Clarke said: “Time will tell. I have been honest. I could come out blasé with cliches. We know we need to get better to hit those heights. It’s up to me and my staff to maximise the players.
“We haven’t had enough consistency but the players will have the opportunity to show it. If they do, I am pretty confident we will be challenging in the top six come the end of the season.”
Barnsley have conceded in the final 15 minutes of each of the last seven games – a club record. Clarke said: “We’ve reviewed that. I have changed things up to try to win which sometimes leaves us open. But we have to be tighter in the later period to make sure we’re not giving silly goals away when there is a formation change or personnel change.”
Clarke says he understands supporters’ frustration with the start to the season but wants to stay positive.
“We know we need to get better but let’s not get too disappointed.
“We’re a couple of home draws away from an even stronger position.
“It’s a new group and a lot of changes in personnel.
“We did late business with centre forwards, which was vital business, and one or two players are finding their fitness. My focus is on performances and making sure we get stronger.
“The lads’ buy-in is tremendous.
“We are inexperienced, with only three or four promotions in the squad, so they need to pick things ups as they go along.
“I get the frustration around. I understand it. It’s always the case at Barnsley that there will be high demands. But there needs to be a sense of realism about where we are as a football club.”
After the trip to Blackpool then the home game with Charlton, Barnsley are due to visit Shrewsbury Town on October 26 for a third league game in a week. They then host neighbours Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday, October 29 in the EFL Trophy – a dead rubber final group game after being knocked out of the competition.
November will see them visit Port Vale in the first round of the FA Cup before hosting another South Yorkshire derby at home to Rotherham United on Friday the eighth before visiting current bottom club Cambridge United on the 16th if it is not postponed due to international call-ups.
They are due to host Wigan Athletic on November 23 and Reading a week later although it could be brought forward to the 26th if either club are in the second round of the FA Cup.
