Hot-form Barnsley players can handle the pressure, says Daniel Stendel

The Reds are in a strong position to return to the Championship at the first attempt under the German following relegation last term.

The Tykes had slipped out of the play-off places in December, but they have recovered superbly, courtesy of an 11-game unbeaten run.

That hot streak has seen them surge into second place in League One, three points above Portsmouth and six off leaders Luton with a game in hand. 

And Stendel believes his team have what it takes to stay in the top two for the remaining 15 fixtures. 

"We want to stay at the top of the table and we work hard for this goal," Stendel said.  

"It is normal for a team that has ambition, I think my players can handle the pressure. It is also a good experience for all of us, for the players, for me.

"We have to keep going. We have a lot of games to play and to win. There is a long way to go and we want to win the next game and then we have a chance to stay in the top two."

Barnsley will need to avoid complacency if they are to achieve their goals this season. 

The Reds were perhaps guilty of scoring too early and taking their foot off the gas during the 4-1 victory at Gillingham on Saturday. 

Kieffer Moore netted his 18th goal of the season in the first minute but, although Cauley Woodrow scored twice and Jacob Brown notched in added time, Stendel was not satisfied. 

"We started very well, the first minute we were in front and we had three big chances to go 2-0 up but we didn't score and in the first half it was not so good after that," Stendel said. 

"We played too fast, long balls and we didn't have the control. At 1-0 we should have controlled the game. But the second goal a minute before half-time was a little bit lucky. 

"Sometimes it is not so good to be in front so early and then everyone thinks 'I can score, I can score, I can score'. It is important we play our game and we play together.

"It was similar to last week, we had a lot of chances. We are humble, if we win 4-1 away it is a good victory for us and we are looking forward to the next home game."