[BFC SITE] Darrell Clarke | Pre-Lincoln City Press Conference

Darrell Clarke states that he is looking forward to taking the “energy” from his first win as Barnsley Head Coach on Tuesday night into Saturday’s away match against Lincoln City.

Speaking to the press, Clarke reflected on Tuesday night’s penalty shootout victory over Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup, stating he was “pleased with a lot of aspects” about the performance put in by the Reds.

“We did well. We’d made a lot of changes, and those lads came in and performed well, and that gave us total control for the last 30 minutes. Our energy without the ball was good, and our press and counter press were good, too.”

The Reds’ Head Coach also spoke about positive individual performances, singling out Vimal Yoganathan on his second full start for praise. He also praised the performance of the returning Donovan Pines, who scored a second half equaliser to take the game to a penalty shootout.

“Donovan is a big player for us, and he’s got a decent connection with the fans. He can run, he’s quick, and he’s constantly trying to improve his game. We just need to keep making sure we’re looking after him.”

Also coming in for praise was debutant goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina, who saved two penalties in the shootout in his first game since arriving on a season-long loan from Chelsea. “It’s nice for Gaga on his debut to see the game go to a shootout, and for him to be the hero.

“He performed well, and he’s only going to get better the more connection he has to the backline. We want competition in all places if we’re going to be successful, and Gaga adds to healthy competition in goal.”

Darrell also expressed delight at the signing of Kelechi Nwakali, from Portuguese side Chaves, stating that the Nigerian midfielder had “unfinished business” in English football.

“He’s got different attributes to the rest of the midfield, and we’re looking forward to working with him. He’s technically very gifted and he wants to do well. We need hungry players coming here for the right reasons, and everything is in line for him to do himself, his family and the club proud.”

Looking ahead to Saturday afternoon’s away game at Lincoln, Darrell spoke about the “fantastic job” Michael Skubala has done at Sincil Bank, but stressed a need for focus ahead of the second league game of the season.

“Lincoln are a very good team, but we have to concentrate on ourselves. We will always appreciate the strengths of those we play, but we have to focus on making sure we’re at it, so we can get that first win in the league.”

Darrell also detailed the importance of preparing for each game individually, talking about the differences between Lincoln and Tuesday night’s opponents, Wigan. “I treat every game as it is, Lincoln have different attributes to Wigan, we have to be respectable and combat that, but we want to be on the front foot, create chances and get after the other team.”

Last night’s Carabao Cup draw saw the Reds drawn at home against local rivals, Sheffield United, in just under two weeks’ time. Clarke stated that he “quite enjoyed the draw”, and said he was looking forward to his first regional derby. “It’s a derby game, the fans will be well up for it, as will the players. I’ve came across Chris Wilder a few times when he was at Oakwell, it’ll be good to come up against him again, and it’ll be good to put a good show on Oakwell.”

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What a character. Proof of the pudding and all that but one thing for sure, we're going to be entertained!

 

Thought the same. A tricky task to interview him it would seem!

 

,'I’ve came across Chris Wilder a few times when he was at Oakwell'.

Am I missing something?

 

I don't think so, so probably a gaffe by him or the interviewer.

 

I thought the same after the Derby friendly win actually.
I thought that Clarke will surely make us interesting to watch this season, if nothing else.
And that should mean some 'exciting' football this time, whatever the results are.