Michael Sollbauer believes Barnsley have conceded ‘a lot of goals which are too easy’ this season.
The Austrian defender, 30, has been an ever-present this campaign except for the 2-2 draw at Stoke City in October due to a head injury.
Sollbauer told the Chronicle: “This is the level of the Championship.
“I know we are a young team but we have to increase our level.
“In my opinion, we have given away a lot of goals this season which are too easy. We have to learn from it very quickly as individuals and a team.”
Barnsley’s victory over Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday meant they have collected more wins this season, with six, than in the 29 games last season before Sollbauer arrived and helped them stay up on the final day.
“One of our biggest goals was to be better than last season, as a team, as a club and as players.
“We have made a great job for most of the season but performances like Bournemouth (a 4-0 loss on Friday) are not good enough and they make us upset and disappointed. But I have a good feeling for the season, we have had a few really bad games like Cardiff (a 3-0 loss in November) but many good games.”
Barnsley play eight games in the month of December. Sollbauer said: “It is a hard schedule but it is not helpful to take this as an excuse. All the other teams play the same, this is the schedule and it is not easy for a young team who don’t have this experience. But we don’t take any excuses. I thought we were ready for Bournemouth and we were fit enough, it was just not a good performance.
“The schedule is a good way to improve your level as a player and a person, it is not easy playing every few days. But we are professionals and we get paid well so I don’t have a feeling that it is too much.”
Sollbauer has enjoyed working under new head coach Valerien Ismael who was appointed in October.
“We have improved under the manager, he did a great job with his staff and we have had some really good performances and results in the last weeks.
“There are a lot of positive things and there are things to improve but this is normal because it is a long season. I think he will work well for us in the future.
“He brings a lot of energy, good mentality and the desire to win games. He gives us a lot of confidence to play forward and straight which is good for our team.”
