JOSH Benson says Barnsley’s players have to take responsibility for ‘lovely human’ Markus Schopp’s sacking.
The 22-year-old midfielder experienced a change of manager for the first time this week, having previously been at Arsenal during Arsene Wenger’s long reign then at Burnley under Sean Dyche.
He told the Chronicle: “It was my first time. It was interesting. We all got told on Monday morning, he came in and acted with real class.
“The way he dealt with it was brilliant and we’re gutted for him.
“We all respected Markus and found him a lovely human.
“We’re not placing responsibility on Markus, it’s on ourselves. We haven’t been taking our chances and little mistakes have been costing us.”
Benson signed in the summer from Burnley with hopes of replicating last season’s promotion challenge but the Reds are now in the relegation zone after 16 games. But he is pleased to be back in the side having played once in two months due to Covid-19 which he admits he came back too early from then suffered a thigh injury. He said: “It hasn’t gone how I wanted at the moment. I have been frustrated with the injuries and Covid. Hopefully all my bad luck is out of the way now. We’re very confident, we know our qualities and we have to start climbing up the table.”
Benson is one of several key players, along with Mads Andersen and Carlton Morris, who have missed the majority of the season.
But he returned for this week’s games against Bristol City and Derby County.
“I put pressure on myself. I believe I can make an impact on the team and add quality. Mads showed his presence at the back and Carlton’s nearly back.”
Joe Laumann is caretaker after the sacking of Schopp.
Benson said: “Everyone is raring to go and wanting to impress, for Joe and if there’s a new gaffer.”
On Saturday, Benson played alongside centre-back Jasper Moon who was used in midfield.
“I thought he played well, broke up play well and did some lovely bits. Players have to play out of position sometimes and he can do a job in midfield.”
