[BFC SITE] Adam Phillips | Pre-Manchester United Press Conference

Adam Phillips says that a big performance at Old Trafford from Barnsley on Tuesday night will help to take the sting out of last weekend’s “disappointing result” at Stevenage.

Speaking to the press ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup third round clash with Manchester United, the Reds’ number eight reflected on the 3-0 defeat at the Lamex Stadium last Saturday, stating that the outcome was not the one which the team had been hoping for.

“We went there with a lot of confidence off the back of a few good results, and we knew what we were expecting from them. Stevenage played well on the day, but it is still frustrating as we didn’t create chances, and we conceded from set pieces, which were things we’d prepped for in training.”

Phillips added that he felt the side could take a number of lessons from their first away loss of the season, saying that it had provided them with new insights. “There was nothing really in the game in the first half, the manager wanted to go out and win the game, so we changed things at half time. That didn’t work out, but we’ll learn from it going forward as a lot of teams in this division like to put balls in the box like Stevenage do and we have to deal with that.

The midfielder did say that some positives came from Saturday’s defeat, namely the return to league action for both Josh Benson and Fabio Jalo, both of whom have had significant spells on the sidelines through injury, with the young forward Jalo in particular coming in for praise. “We have a really good squad and those players coming back gives us strength in depth. Fabio had a really good game, and showed a bit of what he can do.”

Phillips also detailed how much he was enjoying working with fellow midfielder, Matty Craig, who arrived at the club this summer on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and has starred significantly in recent weeks as the Reds enjoyed a positive start to the season.

“There is a real coolness about Matty, and having him in midfield with me is great. I can get forward and create chances, and he sits in there, and breaks the play up to make it easier for me to do that.”

Adam spoke about his positive start to the season, which have seen him top the Reds’ scoring charts with four goals in six games, stating that he felt his start to the season was less pressured than his previous campaigns at Oakwell.

“This was my first proper preseason since signing, I had to deal with suspensions and a slower start last year, and didn’t arrive until late in the summer the year before. I think that’s why I’ve properly kicked on this time, I’m enjoying working with the manager and he’s definitely getting the best out of me so far. I just want to continue that consistency, and keep scoring goals and getting assists to help the team.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow night’s third round tie at Old Trafford, Phillips stated that he thought the game would be a “tough test”, but that the Reds’ team were not just travelling across the Pennines to make up the numbers. “This isn’t just a day out for us: we want to cause an upset.”

“Saturday wasn’t great, and we want to bounce back. We’re looking forward to a massive cup tie, which is great for the fans, and we’ve just got to give it our best. We have to all be on it, and play well. The coaching staff have a clear plan for the game, we just need to work together to get the result.”

Tuesday night presents a significant potential milestone for Phillips: the tie with Manchester United could be the midfielder’s 100th outing in a Barnsley shirt. Adam reflected on this, stating it was a huge honour to represent the Reds:

“It’s nice to have reached it. I enjoy playing at Barnsley and love every time I step onto the pitch. I’m happy here, I’ve stayed fit, I’m playing lots of games, and most importantly I’m on the pitch and doing well for the club, which helps us all to be as successful as we want to be.”

Watch the full press conference below.

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