Previews of today’s big games in the Championship
Last-gasp survival gave Reds motivation
BARNSLEY star Callum Styles says last year’s close shave is the inspiration behind the Tykes’ surprise push for the Premier League.
Lodged in the bottom three for almost the entire season, Barnsley miraculously dodged relegation courtesy of a points deduction for Wigan and a 91st-minute winner in the final game of the season against Brentford.
Winless in the opening seven games of the current campaign, another season of struggle appeared on the cards.
But the appointment of manager Valerien Ismael jolted the Tykes into life, and they travel to Coventry today sixth in the Championship with 11 wins from their last 14 games
“We didn’t want to be in the same situation as last year,” says Styles, who joined Barnsley from hometown club Bury for a fee of £500,000 in 2018.
“We reflected hard on it and we knew we were better than that. As a team, we definitely underachieved.
“That gave us a massive motivation and I think we have proved to everyone that we were right to feel that way.
“People might say we’ve overachieved this season but, as players, we just believe in our qualities.
“And why shouldn’t we? Those qualities have won us games.”
Barnsley’s qualities are impressively varied. Pragmatic on the ball and energetic off it, their success has been built on an ability to stymie any opposition system.
Coventry may have outworked and outmuscled Rotherham on Thursday evening, but they are unlikely to do the same to a Barnsley side widely regarded as one of the toughest to play against in the division.
“We’re ready for whatever the opposition brings,” says Styles. “We’ve shown that we can be physical and fight against long balls coming at us.
“But our pressing game is really good as well. Whatever the opposition brings to the table, we can combat it - and play our own football as well.”
Whether or not Barnsley are playing in the Premier League next season, Styles almost certainly will be.
A central midfielder by trade, the 21-year-old, dubbed the Bury Baggio by supporters, has excelled as a wing-back under Ismael and is a summer target for Leeds, Southampton and Brighton. Does he enjoy the adulation? “Honestly, I try not to look at social media and stuff,” insists Styles, who admitted he hadn’t actually heard of Roberto Baggio prior to being given his nickname. “Because you don’t know what is a lie and what is the truth. I tend to stay away from it and just focus on my football.
“People talk, good and bad. As a player, all you can do is accept it and carry on.”
Coventry, promoted from League One last season, have altogether different ambitions. The Sky Blues have not been in the bottom three for a single minute of the season and ensured it stayed that way by beating Rotherham 1-0.
Nevertheless, Mark Robins’ men probably require another five points to be certain of survival.
“It’ll be hugely tough against Barnsley,” said Robins. “Their press is different to anything else you face and if you can beat that first press then you have got an opportunity and chance.
“We can’t rest on our laurels, but beating Rotherham has given us a huge boost.
“The level of performance was up there and if we maintain that level we’ll be fine.”