Conor Hourihane admits he went ‘ballistic’ at his Barnsley players during draw with Wigan

Conor Hourihane admits he went ‘ballistic’ at his Barnsley players during the 1-1 draw with Wigan on New Year’s Day.

Wigan went ahead just six minutes in through Dara Costelloe’s volley from Callum Wright’s cross, before Barnsley had chances, including David McGoldrick being denied one-on-one with Sam Tickle, while Barnsley keeper Murphy Cooper made a superb double save with Harrison Bettoni seeing his shot blocked on the line.

Adam Phillips levelled on the 69th minute from McGoldrick’s cross, then towards the end, substitute Jonathan Bland came close with a long-range effort just over, Barnsley was also reduced to 10 men when Luca Connell was sent off in the 84th minute for kicking out at Will Aimson.

The result leaves Barnsley sitting 16th in the League One table, with 29 points from 21 games played, have games in sides around them, and are 2 points above the drop zone.

Hourihane said, per Yorkshire Post: “We were absolutely awful in the first half and I went ballistic at half-time.

“They get a lot of detail and clarity but it’s all nonsense if the players don’t want to run around and show heart and desire. At least in the second half they had a bit of motivation to run around.

“It’s a bit quiet in this stadium. But that shouldn’t matter whether it’s a small crowd or big crowd. You should still have that motivation to want to be a professional footballer every single day.

“I let them know that at half-time and second half they showed they cared which is pleasing.

“The Barnsley fans want to see a team who work, run and have intensity. That was a proper 45 minutes but it shouldn’t take me going ballistic.

“I can go to bed tonight and sleep a little bit because at least I have a group who showed me they care a little bit.”

On captain Luca Connell being sent off with six minutes of normal time left: “He’s pretty quiet. He came up to me and apologised. He will know he made a mistake and one he will have to suffer from.”

Wigan boss Ryan Lowe: “It’s the heat of the moment, but you can’t stud someone in the midriff and not get a red card.”

Wigan boss Ryan Lowe told Latics TV: “We were very good in the first half, and should’ve come in with a minimum two-goal lead.

“We scored probably the hardest chance, and there were some good moments. I thought we were excellent and played some fantastic stuff.

“We knew it was always going to be different in the second half. We knew Barnsley would make changes, and when you’re 1-0 down, it’s easier to find a rhythm.

“The goal we conceded was poor – we were in possession, turned it over, and we gave a good player a good opportunity to smash it into the roof of the net.

“We had a late rally towards the end, but you always feel vulnerable when the other team goes down to ten. You have to make sure you keep the back doors shut.

“I am pleased that we got a point and scored again. We had enough chances to win, but it’s another point.

“We needed a little bit more composure. When you have those types of opportunities, you have to put the ball in the back of the net.

“We need to start converting those chances – we need more composure in front of goal.”

Here’s how fans reacted after Conor Hourihane admits he went ‘ballistic’ at his Barnsley players during the 1-1 draw with Wigan…

@Bambitoooo: That’s a league 2 performance if I’ve ever seen it. Hate to say it but the messiah is going to get us relegated at this rate.

@samanthaskidm10: Needs to be harder on them there not ya mates you’re in charge now!! Needs to be better still not good to watch!! #barnsleyfc

@PaulBeaman4: For those who think this is a decent point, that’s one win in six (a lucky win) and one point from Mansfield, Exeter, Wigan and Lincoln over Christmas. Outside of proving Phillips is better in his position that game was as shite as any other. Cooper for once on form saved us.

@_callumfowler: Huge point in the relegation battle. Hopefully the Rose N Crown defender we bring in next week will be up to the task

@charliekeegan: Cooper made some impressive saves to keep Wigan out after the early goal. The defence in front of him, though, is so weak and error-prone. It does not look like a cohesive unit at all. Only 2 clean sheets all season (fewest in League One). 6 all last season. Ongoing issues.

@KatieLouiseWAFC: Thought we were miles better than you first half then second half it was only going to be a matter of time before you scored I felt. We bottled that big time.

@KoreyKilner: disgrace from the ‘captain’ there

@GuestyBFC: Great example from the “captain”

@bfcharri: Fucking embarrassing, absolute disgraceful captain

@AlfieB0012: Our captain btw. What a lack of professionalism and a terrible role model for the rest of the team. Absolutely stupid from Luca. Don’t let him play for the next 10 after that

@LagerTyke: The CH experiment is over. Poor lineups poor tactics and can’t motivate the squad for shit. Not at fault for the red (Connell needs armband taking off him) but each game is getting worse under CH. new year new manager fresh start needed

@AlfieKuy: We are in deep trouble. Squad threadbare with no one seemingly bothered about signing or investing. A captain that’s reckless, a clueless manager of late. And an owner that simply does not care.