DEVANTE Cole admits it is difficult for Barnsley to maintain belief this season but says ‘we can’t feel sorry for ourselves.’
The Reds have won just two of 26 matches and are last in the Championship, eight points from safety.
Cole said: “It’s definitely hard to keep belief when you are struggling for form. But it has to come from the inside and we have to go back basics. Once we find that win, things could change.
“The mood is flat. It’s not where we want to be or where we should be. It’s up to us to change it, it has to start sometime and it needs to be Saturday.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, once you do that it’s over. But we will never do that.”
For Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, Barnsley were without their head coach Poya Asbaghi and star forward Carlton Morris after positive Covid tests while six players were injured.
Cole said: “That can’t be an excuse because, when they were fit and here, we were still losing.
“We know we have to be better and we will be.”
Asked for a message to the fans, Cole said: “Stick with us because we’re trying and don’t give up because we will give it our all until the end of the season.”
Barnsley are the lowest scorers in the EFL with 17 in 26 games.
Cole has one Championship goal in six starts and eight substitute appearances.
“It’s massively frustrating, especially for the forwards.
“I haven’t played as much as I wanted so I am definitely hungry for goals. It’s not falling for us but we have to find something to get those goals.”
Cole, 26, was the oldest starter in midweek. He said: “Being one of the older boys, it does start with people like me. But it’s up to everyone to bring an extra five per cent. The fight is definitely there but it’s turning it into goals and wins.”
