The Barnsley manager will face Leeds United for the very first time on Sunday.
The Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel has revealed that he started watching the Take Us Home documentary ahead of Leeds United’s visit to Oakwell on Sunday.
The six-part series followed Leeds closely throughout the 2018/19 season, in which the Whites came third in the Championship and lost out to Derby County in the Championship play-offs.
And speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield on Friday, Stendel said its portrayal of United has given him a feel for the size of the club.
“I really enjoy, and I’m really happy to play this game,” said the German, who is facing Leeds for the very first time. “These games are why we play and work in football. There will be a great atmosphere.
“As I prepared myself (for the game), I started with the documentary from Leeds yesterday. You can feel it’s a big club.”
Only a last-gasp smash-and-grab goal from Swansea City in Leeds’ last outing has kept the Whites off of the Championship summit.
And United’s current position – third – does not fool the Barnsley boss.
“My feeling is that Leeds are the best team in the league, from what we have seen in the first six games,” Stendel told The Barnsley Chronicle. “They might not have the best player in the league in every position but, as a team with their style of play, I think they are the best.
“It is the kind of game we want to play in and it’s a big chance for us. With our supporters, in a home game, we have a chance to surprise them. Our goal is to win this game. We want to give Leeds a big fight.
“I want the supporters to have the feeling that we are fighting for every duel and giving everything for them and for the club. When we can show this, we have a big chance.
“I cannot promise that we win but I can promise that we play with all our energy, all our heart and give everything that we can give.”
As many as four ex-Leeds players – Aapo Halme, Alex Mowatt, Clarke Oduor and Mallik Wilks – could line up against the Whites for Barnsley at Oakwell.
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