CARLOS PREVIEWS FRIDAY’S CLASH WITH BARNSLEY

21 April 2022

Town’s Head Coach looks ahead to our evening home game

- Watch Carlos Corberán’s pre-Barnsley press conference
- Town’s Head Coach gives an update on injuries
- Corberán fully focused on ‘high challenge’ of Barnsley

Huddersfield Town Head Coach Carlos Corberán spoke with the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of Friday evening’s Sky Bet Championship game at home to Barnsley.

Carlos started by giving an injury update on Sorba Thomas, who was withdrawn at half-time of Monday’s win at Middlesbrough with a knee injury.

“We need to wait. This afternoon (Thursday) he is visiting a knee specialist. As soon as he is finished there, we will have better information and know the impact of the injury.

“It’s clear he will not be involved tomorrow, but we need more information to say how long we are going to miss him.”

Danny Ward and Levi Colwill also missed the game at the Riverside and Carlos confirmed they will not be involved against the Tykes, whilst there is also a question mark over Josh Koroma.

“The situation today is the same as the situation before Middlesbrough.

“Josh Koroma is a player with a little bit of doubt. We need to see how he reacts after today’s training to know if he can be involved tomorrow. It’s not an important injury, but he was feeling something in the hamstring. If he reacts positively (to training) he will be involved, but not if he doesn’t react well.”

On the plus side, the Head Coach was happy with the impact of several players who came into the side at Boro.

He continued: “Pipa is now in a moment that makes me think he can play two games in a row – a feeling that neither the player nor I had before. The fact that he played the last 90 minutes increases his possibilities to help the team. That’s something very important.

“Middlesbrough wasn’t only the best game of Pipa. Rhodes was another of the crucial players. He has natural ability, of course, because he has made many goals in his career with different coaches.

“We saw many players show they can help the team a lot, and to have the greatest number of players available – and in a good moment – is crucial.”

Although many pundits are now pencilling Town into the Play-Off picture, Carlos will have no talk of that – the only focus is on performing against the Tykes on Friday night.

“I’m not thinking about anything other than competing tomorrow. To think about any situation that isn’t guaranteed doesn’t make sense. The only thing that makes sense is focusing on which players can compete tomorrow.

“All the players who will be available will have our full confidence to compete really well.

“Tomorrow’s game is the most important one, and we will play with the most competitive team possible.

“It is a special game. We’re playing against one opponent that has a need to win the game. It is a Yorkshire derby too, and in these games the table is not the most important thing.

“Also, in the last games they were playing, they were able to draw with Fulham – the best team in the Championship – draw with Stoke City, which is another very good team, and draw with Swansea. They also beat Middlesbrough, and we know how tough a game with Middlesbrough is.

“How they perform with good teams should only create the highest level of respect for tomorrow’s game.

“Another reason is that, if they want, Barnsley can play tomorrow with the same players who made the Play-Offs last year.

“Sometimes, results do not reflect what happened on the pitch. The other day (against Peterborough), Barnsley started the game well and had a chance very similar to the one Sinani scored against Peterborough. Ours went in, and theirs hit the post. Then they had a very good chance from a corner; Tom Lees scored one against Peterborough, and they headed the ball out. Sometimes football is about small details.

“I cannot talk about Play-Offs, because that hasn’t happened. I’ve watched Barnsley’s games and I know it will be a very complicated game for us – one that demands a lot in defending and attacking levels if we want to take something positive. Our full determination is to achieve that tomorrow.”

Watch Carlos’ full press conference below, courtesy of HTTV!

Get your 2022/23 Season Card before the 6 May deadline - click HERE to buy online!

Match Reports

REPORT: TOWN 2-1 BARNSLEY

22 April 2022

Town secure Play-Off spot

- Huddersfield Town 2-1 Barnsley
- Terriers guaranteed a place in the top six
- Jordan Rhodes and Harry Toffolo on the scoresheet

Huddersfield Town sealed their place in the 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship top six with a 2-1 win over Barnsley at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday evening.

Extending their unbeaten run to five, first half goals from Jordan Rhodes and Harry Toffolo were enough to see Town bag their first Play-Off spot since THAT 2016/17 season.

It was the perfect start for the Terriers, with Rhodes putting them ahead in the fourth minute! Our no.9 was on hand to nod home at the back post from a Danel Sinani corner. The officials toyed with the idea of not giving it, but thankfully, the goal stood! His 90th goal for Huddersfield Town, Rhodes becomes the Terriers joint sixth all-time top goalscorer with Vic Metcalfe.

The opening minutes continued at a flying pace, with Town pushing forward at every opportunity, whilst Barnsley tried to break at pace in their hunt for an equaliser.

As the game began to settle, the Terriers dominated proceedings. A chance fell Town’s way in the 13th minute, as a lovely ball from Jon Russell picked out Danel Sinani, but the latter’s effort was blocked by a backtracking Barnsley defender.

The 31st minute of play saw a touching moment, as all four sides of the John Smith’s Stadium rose to their feet to applaud Daryl Hopkins, fondly known as Daz, a Town fan who is showing true Terrier Spirit in his fight against terminal cancer.

Toffolo tried his luck in the 38th minute. A lovely cross field ball from Duane Holmes found Toffs in space, and he took a touch before letting one fly from range. Unfortunately for Toffs, Jack Walton was down well to see if safely wide.

As the clock showed 40 minutes played, there was a short break in play to allow Naby Sarr to break his fast. As he made his way to the near touchline, his name was sung from the stands.

As the game got back underway, Toffolo crossed to Jon Russell, but the midfielder’s cushioned header fell into the hands of Walton.

Toffolo got his goal in the first minute of added time! Our left back ghosted in unmarked at the far post to tuck home a Sinani cross and double Town’s lead!

Following a quieter start to the second half, the Terriers first chance came in the 54th minute. Almost a dream link up between Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien, the latter was unable to get a clean correction on Toffs’ low fizzed cross!

Barnsley had a half chance in 13 minutes later, but Cauley Woodrow slicked his strike as Sarr rushed back to put him under pressure.

A lengthy break in play came in the 77th minute as Ollie Turton went down with a head injury. Fortunately, he was able to continue.

As the game continued to count down, Rhodes showcased a lovely controlled effort on the volley, but it was straight at Walton.

Barnsley scored a consolation goal in the final minute of added time, courtesy of Callum Styles.

The referee blew his whistle seconds later, seeing Town walk out a very delighted squad!

Town’s final regular season home game of the 2021/22 campaign is on Saturday 7 May at 12.30pm against Bristol City. CLICK HERE to secure your seat now!

Town’s Line-Up (4-2-2)

Lee Nicholls; Harry Toffolo (Josh Ruffells, 83’), Naby Sarr, Tom Lees, Ollie Turton; Duane Holmes (Fraizer Campbell, 89’), Jonathan Hogg, Jon Russell, Danel Sinani (Scott High, 46’); Lewis O’Brien, Jordan Rhodes

Unused Subs

Jamal Blackman; Pipa, Tino Anjorin, Scott High, Carel Eiting

Town Scorers

Jordan Rhodes (4’), Harry Toffolo (45+1’)