Barnsley have announced the appointment of Valerien Ismael as the club’s new head coach.
Ismael replaces Gerhard Struber, who left the club to join Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.
The French coach has signed a three-year deal with the Championship side.
Barnsley Name Valerien Ismael as Head Coach
We told you there was 𝐁𝐈𝐆 news! 😏
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) October 23, 2020
Almost a Decade of Experience
Barnsley have had a difficult start to the season, having narrowly survived the drop in 2019/20. They are winless from six, picking up just three points, all via draws.
Struber’s departure may not have helped their cause, but they are going to have to pick up points and sooner rather than later.
The club believe Valerien Ismael is the man to do that for them. Ismael has almost a decade of experience, having almost always been in employment since launching his managerial career in 2011.
Most recently, he had been in charge of Austrian side LASK, who faced Manchester United in the Europa League last season. Ismael had been in charge for the first leg, a 5-0 loss, but by the time the second leg was played, he had been replaced.
Ismael has had a taste of English football before, having had a stint with Crystal Palace as a player in 1998. He has since spent a large part of his career in Germany, playing for Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Hannover, before taking charge at Nurnburg and Wolfsburg.
Ismael Excited to Take Charge at Barnsley
Valerien Ismail told the club website: “I would like to thank Paul Conway and Dane Murphy for the open and productive dialogue that we’ve had up to this point, and for the great chance that they have given me to manage in English football as the coach of Barnsley.
“I feel a great deal of excitement about the new position and the new challenges that it brings, and I can’t wait to get to know the team, my coaching staff, everyone who works at the club, and of course the Reds fans at Oakwell too, so that together we can get started and hit the ground running.”
Ismael Will Complement the Club’s Philosophy
Barnsley CEO Dane Murphy added: “In Valerien we have a young, ambitious coach who already possesses a wealth of footballing experience across the continent. Throughout the recruitment process, he was the standout candidate and his style of play will complement our philosophy.
“Valerien is aware of the quality within our squad and with his guidance, the board believe that he is well suited to continuing our players’ development whilst simultaneously solidifying our position in the Sky Bet Championship.”
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
