[BFC SITE] Darrell Clarke on 'good test' against Wigan Athletic

Darrell Clarke has stated that cup football presents an opportunity for players to “come in and make their mark” as Barnsley launch their Carabao Cup campaign at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night.

Ahead of the trip to the north-west, the Reds Head Coach stated that the result against Mansfield in last Friday’s season opener was “disappointing”, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the result.

“The statistics show we should’ve won the game, we were dominant with the ball and we created lots of chances," he said. "But we know you’ve got to take those chances to win games, and we’re well aware of the quality and ruthlessness needed to be higher up the pyramid.”

Clarke highlighted that he thought a big plus from Friday’s performance was how well the team responded to tactical changes, saying that “adaptability is key”, but also added that it was a major opportunity to find out more about the squad in a match setting: “I’m still learning about my players all of the time, and I learned plenty during preseason, but I think real competitive games are where you learn most on a consistent basis about the players you work with. We know there’s areas we need to be better in, I’m realistic that there isn’t always a quick fix, and solutions will hopefully come sooner rather than later. “

Talking about tomorrow night’s trip to The Brick Community Stadium, Clarke stated that the game will be a “good test” for his side, but added that he felt it was a chance for his squad to showcase their abilities ahead of the weekend’s away trip to Lincoln:

“Wigan are a good side, they’ve got a good young squad, and a good manager. They’re a big team in our division, and I expect them to there or thereabouts.

“I go into every game wanting to win regardless of what competition we’re in. We have to look at players outside the first team squad and give them opportunities to take chances, otherwise they never get them."

The Reds brought in American international 'keeper Gabriel Slonina on a season-long loan from Chelsea, and the Reds’ head coach stated that he was hoping for him to get minutes in the coming games: “Gaga (Slonina) had a great preseason, he got minutes with the USA national team and with Chelsea, so he’s ready to get on and show what he can do.”

In terms of selection options, Clarke stated that he wanted to give opportunities to some fringe players from within the U21 ranks.

“Quite a few of the young lads had very good preseasons, like Vimal (Yoganathan) and Jonathan Bland. I like to give young players an opportunity to show what they can do, and I can imagine supporters would agree with this. These games give us a chance to reward them for a good preseason and allow them to take their chances.”

The game is available to view on Sky Sports +.

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Or…… “We don’t care about this competition and I’m playing a team full of children so expect a sound defeat”.

 

"and I can imagine supporters would agree with this."

Sorry to disappoint you Darrell but I'm a little old fashioned and quite like to win on Tuesday night and progress in the cup competitions but thanks for managing my expectations beforehand.

 

I don't mind the clarity Clarke has given. It'll save a few fans a couple of quid I imagine. Fancy turning up and watching us field the kids and go out with a whimper. At least it's on Sky Sports plus and I can have a beer or two and turn it off.

 

So anybody travelling the going to be watching reserves/kids

 

Back when I were a lad we used to enter cup competitions with the aim of getting as far as we could in them.
You know, back in the days when we didn't rest players in favour of league matches and yet still managed to get promoted two seasons out of four and nearly made it three out of four.

 

It's now a w**k competition that no one takes seriously. Odds on that Wigan will make several changes to their weekend line up.

 

They need a rest after the excellent shift they put in on Friday night.

 

Ditch the cups and expand the number of teams promoted and relegated from each level to increase jeopardy on matches.

 

"“I go into every game wanting to win"

Thats a relief.

 

We never do anything in this cup so it'd be nice to at least have a try for once. Be a tough game but hopefully some of the fringe players/young uns can stake a claim

 

"Gaga" ...??????
Oh no, please no.

 

I just wanna complain about Newsbot shedding its load, cos there's nowt else to continue reading

 

Hopefully, the likes of Pines & Gent are given an opportunity, as well as one or two younger players.

 

If we lose tomorrow and lose on Saturday it’s time to be very concerned

 

I will be concerned if we haven't signed any strikers before Saturday

 

Disagree Darrell. I would rather guys earned the right to start rather than starting them for the sake of giving them a chance. We need a cup run so play a side to win tomorrow. There shouldn't be more than three changes.

 

Unless things move quick over next few days it doesn’t look great

 

Barnsley and moving quick, you’re having a laugh!

 

I think both sides will field some squad players. Wouldn't mind Marsh getting a start & Lofthouse & Yoganathan too.Can always give Cosgrove & Watters 45 mins each maybe?

More interested in the league myself & Pines getting back in when fit, as he's a threat at corners too.