Daniel Stendel knew nothing about Barnsley before being appointed head coach two months ago but has enjoyed getting to know the town and club which he will lead in a League One promotion challenge starting from tomorrow.
The 44-year-old German was introduced to the media yesterday and held a press conference with coach Christopher Stern translating most of the questions and answers.
Stendel told the Chronicle: "I didn't know anything about the club. When I was approached, for ten minutes I looked on my phone on the internet to learn about them. I saw they used to have a goalkeeper called Heinz Muller who I played with at Hannover. That was the only connection I had with them.I never really planned to work in England but I am happy that I have come here because my first impressions are pretty positive."
Barnsley, who dropped down from the Championship in May, are one of the bookmakers' favourites for promotion. Stendel said: "It's more about getting a positive atmosphere in the club and letting the players know it is a new start. But obviously myself and the players know the aim is to get back to the Championship as soon as possible and we are hoping for promotion.
"We have a good squad, with players who are good technically, athletically and as people. As a relegated team you will always be one of the favourites. There are other good teams surrounding us like Sunderland who will have a great role in this campaign."
Stendel received advice from former Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen and current Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay who told him to prioritise pre-season preparation as it is difficult to make major changes during an English campaign. The former Hannover boss says preparing the Reds after relegation has been easier than expected.
He said: "It hasn't been difficult to get the squad ready because I am motivated and ambitious and I could see the players were looking forward to working with a new manager and were motivated as well which made things easier. I was aware that I couldn't change the whole system in six weeks of pre-season but I am satisfied with the improvement from the first day of pre-season until now.
"We want to play attacking football with a high press. We want the ball as much as possible so we can dictate the game. We have a young squad with a lot of power and pace which is great for our counter-attacking style of play."
Stendel has been living in Barnsley since joining two months ago. He said: "Barnsley isn't as big as Hannover as a town or a club. But I appreciate the attitude and mentality of the players who come in every day and work hard. I have enjoyed working with everyone and I appreciate the work of everyone in the club and the town. Most of the time I spend my day at Oakwell then go to my apartment to sleep.
"I have been surprised in a positive way to see so many fans supporting us at friendlies. We need the supporters to be with us in order to have a successful season. The fans, the club and the players need to be a unit."
