Hurzeler: We need to give everything against Barnsley

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Albion head to Oakwell on Tuesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2025-09-23T06:00+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler's team beat Oxford United 6-0 in the previous round of the Carabao Cup. 📷 by Simon Roe.

Fabian Hurzeler would love to be the first Albion head coach to lead his side to a major trophy.

Ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley at Oakwell, Hurzeler said, "Winning a trophy? For sure. It's what the fans are dreaming of and the club dreams of so therefore we need to give everything for our supporters.

"We know it will be tough on Tuesday and we will need some luck but I think we are in good shape."

Barnsley lost 1-0 to Blackpool on Saturday but have started the League One campaign well with five wins from their eight games so far under Conor Hourihane.

The former Republic of Ireland international, who played 583 league games for five clubs and won 36 caps, was promoted to his current role after spending much of last season as assistant to Darrell Clarke before he left Oakwell in April. They are unbeaten at home this season with four wins and two draws in all competitions.

Hurzeler is aware that the Tykes will provide a strong test.

"They play good football, they have good players, so we have to be prepared," he added. "We want to go to the next round but we will need the performance to be on the highest level.

"It's a do or die game. It's a 50-50 game. We have to really take it seriously because Barnsley have played a really good season so far."

Hurzeler plans to rotate his squad but insists whoever plays will have earned their opportunity.

"Of course there might be some changes, but I won't give just chances to players. The players who will play at Tuesday will deserve to play because they work hard in training.

"We have to see how many players come away with some issues from Saturday, how sharp they look in training before the game and then we have to make a decision on the squad."