Early days, but I’m always drawn to stats, and they make good reading. When he took over (well, after the Millwall game he watched from the stands, officially taking over the next day), we had four points from seven games. No wins. Since then, we’ve played 11 games, winning 7, a win percentage of 64%, gaining 21 points, a ppg of 1.9. At that rate, had he been here for all 18 games, we’d have 34 points - a total which sits second currently. He wasn’t though, and we sit on 25 points, still a comparatively princely sum after only 18 games at this level for Barnsley for many a year. But from here, should he manage to continue at this rate for the remainder of the season, we’d finish this season on 78 points, which is roughly the average of the team who finishes 4th. ******* 4th. And this is with a squad of players he had no choice about and before he’s had a window to sign what he’s said he wants - a centre forward, and a centre back (I’d say we need the former more Val - but you sign who you like. As long as he’s under 23 and cheap obviously...) Bizarrely he’s yet to draw a game - that will surely alter - and he’s also managed to win two games coming from behind, something I can’t recall us doing at this level for many a year. All achieved playing a 3-4-3 some posters will tell you we can’t play with this squad. Achieved when not always playing brilliantly, the sign of a good side if ever there was one. He’s a big authoritative figure as well, so I’m guessing he’s good for the discipline of the young players. Hopefully not too hard - but whatever it is he’s doing, I’d be amazed if anyone else has as good a record for their first eleven games at this level for us. Carry on Mr Ismael, we are very pleased, and lucky, to have you.
Early days but you're right it's one hell of an impression he's made. The thing that impresses me most is how competitive and comfortable we look in nearly every game, knowing that there's still more improvement to come from these players.
Not scared to make brave changes, able to see games out, able to come from behind, able to win the **** and scrappy games. Fantastic manager.
I feared the worst after strubers first 5 games the Middlesbrough defeat was one of the worst performances I've seen in years from a Barnsley side thought it was another long season. But he has turned it round well done keep it up.
Doing great so far. Impressed by the way he is happy to make tactical changes depending on the opponent. Only slight concern is his reluctance to change the actual formation.
As much I can’t wait to get fans back, I think it’s helping us. Also think the 5 subs rule is working for us.
I like him, he’s a winner. He doesn’t seem to care how he gets the job done, as long as it gets done. He’s turned a side that needed to be at its best to win into a side that can win any game. I get the impression he’s more about mentality and mindset rather than an ideal on how football should be played, as Struber and Stendel were. Say what you want about this board but they don’t half seem to know how to pick a gaffer.
Mainly because they don’t get encouragement from a section of our fans unfortunately. Look at the difference in players like Andersen before and after the restart.
I think he’s given us a solid platform & has tried to improve us defensively & then aims to gradually improve our attacking play & I think it’s working. It just seems a bit mental that we can take Mowatt & James off & the team isn’t much weaker. There were times last season when the thought of Mowatt getting an injury terrified me especially when he had Bahre & Thomas alongside him. I don’t think any of Chaplin, Frieser, Thomas & Adeboyejo are anything special but they’re all hungry & fighting for spots & whoever starts & gets subbed off doesn’t particularly weakens us which is great in this hectic schedule where players need to be kept as fresh as possible.
If we can get through January without losing anyone, and add the centre forward we are clearly short of, (plus one or two more at VI’s choosing), I don’t see us possibly finishing lower than 16th, hopefully top half. You can dream about better than that. If they cash in on a few though, and we have a high turnover again, then this good run might be what keeps us up. I probably don’t see us being relegated regardless to be honest. We could drop off a cliff and lose a lot of games - but are the other sides good enough to get enough points for us not to be able to scrap to? There’s too many teams under us who are absolute dross for me.
Hes a better footballer than the previous two, who were basically, **** footballers. Everyone always points out how Mourinho never played professional or whatever but he's in a very small percentage. I always believe you have to have had at least a decent level of a playing career before embarking on coach otherwise you'll be like one of those USA coaches with the click boards. I liked both Stendel and Struber mind but love this guy.
**** me, l thought nobody was still up celebrating. Young uns football in morning, told missus its last can of IPA
Agreed mate, it is mental, but it's true. He's told them all they're good enough and now they'll all run through brick walls for the gaffer. Look at Victor, case in point.
I think first and foremost he has brought a winning mentality to the team. Playing out draws isn’t his style. Secondly he believes and trusts in the squad. Players know they have to fight to get and then Keep a place. He seems to reward the hard work and application while he has less time for players not buying in (Simoes). I’m sure every player knows where they stand. He has a philosophy, game plan and objective and he sticks to it which can be argued is great when we win and not so great if we are losing. But it’s working. As the season goes on, good managers find us out and the quality has a stronger contribution. This is why I believe we need something different as a starting striker up front with Cauley and also options at the back. But for now we can feel good about our run and the easy defeat of those across the motorway.
Hopefully. I think we’ve actually more chance with this one than we did with Struber or Stendel. These days clubs seem to focus on style over results at times, our previous 2 managers had clearly defined styles which are in vogue in the modern game, Ismael doesn’t really therefore I see him as being less attractive. I might he talking our of my ärse here.
As I see it, history suggests that when we find a successful manager/head coach bigger clubs will come along and poach them from us. One only needs to look at our history: Tim Ward Allan Clarke Danny Wilson Paul Heckingbottom Gerhard Struber If Ismael can maintain this brilliant start to his stay at Barnsley it will not be too long before other clubs will be examining the buy out clause in his contract. Let's hope he can continue in the way he has started. Come on you upwardly mobile Reds
So far so good for me. The formation we play, imho seems to get the most out of our players. It seems the players know their roles within the system and for now at least it works. Our players, who are by no means the best in this division are competing very well. I like big val and i hope with a few additions we can continue our progression.
