Adam Davies says Barnsley’s loss to Burton Albion was a ‘kick up the backside’ but the win over Fleetwood Town was vital for building momentum for the remainder of the season.
The Reds reacted to the end of their 20-game unbeaten run with a 4-2 success on Saturday to go back into second place. Captain Davies told the Chronicle: “The defeat to Burton was a bit of a kick up the backside. We had a sit down as players and spoke about getting back to that high-pressure team that we know are. That showed on Saturday.
"We cleared the air because we had been getting lucky before Burton and the defeat was coming. Everyone said their piece then I said ‘that’s it now’ and we moved on. I have said to the lads that, whatever the outcome is at the end of the season, we need that momentum.
"The Burton performance was nowhere near good enough and, if we play like that in the play-offs, we won’t do well, so I said ‘let’s focus on good performances’ and we were much better against Fleetwood. If we get automatic promotion we will be happy but, if not, we will go into the play-offs with momentum.”
Barnsley have complained to the EFL and the FA over an incident between Fleetwood manager Joey Barton and Reds head coach Daniel Stendel. Davies said: “As players we have just stuck to what we do. We had a great performance on Saturday and we’ve just been focusing on that. Anything that happens around us doesn’t really matter.
"The gaffer has just been the same as every week, nothing has changed. Hopefully it will make the fans even louder, which really gives us a boost. I am sure the fans will love the gaffer even more now. “I am sure all the fans have been concerned about him but he’s the exact same person as ever. I wouldn’t worry too much about him, he’s a good man.
“We have had a lot of things go against us this season, people getting injured and suspensions, but we have always stepped up which shows the massive character we have.”
Goalkeeper Davies has been one of Barnsley’s most consistent performers this season following last season’s relegation. He said: “I have definitely upped my game. Last season was a big disappointment for me and the team so I had a look at myself over the summer and came back fighting so thankfully it’s gone well this season.”
Barnsley kept seven successive clean sheets but conceded seven goals in the last three matches. Davies said: “We have tried to build our game on clean sheets which gives you a massive chance of winning. The goals we have conceded have been sloppy but we have been working on that all week in training.”
