Key points
- Barnsley boss praises Bolton’s organisation and work rate.
- Hourihane highlights missed chances as key to result.
- He says Barnsley must improve defensive concentration.
- Manager backs his players to bounce back quickly.
- Hourihane calls for calm amid pressure at Oakwell.
Barnsley (Bolton Today) February 6, 2026 – Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane has delivered a measured verdict on Bolton Wanderers following their recent League One clash, acknowledging the Trotters’ resilience while stressing that his own side must convert more of their opportunities if they are to climb the table. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, Hourihane said Bolton were “well‑organised and hard to break down”, underlining the challenge his players faced at Oakwell.
Speaking after the match, Hourihane did not shy away from criticising Barnsley’s finishing, telling reporters: “We created enough chances to win the game, but we didn’t take them and that’s the difference at this level.” He added that the visitors’ compact shape and discipline meant Barnsley had to be “cleverer” in the final third, a point he reiterated when asked about Bolton’s defensive approach.
What did Hourihane say about Bolton’s performance?
In his post‑match comments, Hourihane singled out Bolton’s work rate and compactness as defining features of their display. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, the Barnsley boss noted that the Trotters “made it difficult for us from the first minute to the last”.
He went on to say: “They pressed us high, they closed down spaces and they didn’t give us easy passes.”
Hourihane also acknowledged the threat posed by Bolton’s attacking transitions. He told reporters that his side had to be “more disciplined in possession” to avoid being caught on the counter, particularly in wide areas where the visitors looked dangerous. “When they won the ball, they looked to move it quickly and that’s something we need to be better at dealing with,” he said.
How did he assess Barnsley’s own display?
While praising Bolton, Hourihane was equally candid about Barnsley’s shortcomings. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he stressed that the home side had “more of the ball and more of the chances”, yet failed to turn dominance into goals.
“We’ve got to be more ruthless,” he stated. “At this level, if you don’t take your chances, you get punished.”
The Barnsley boss also pointed to moments of defensive lapse as decisive. He highlighted one particular spell in the second half when Bolton broke quickly and almost added a second goal, saying his defenders needed to “stay switched on for 90 minutes”.
“We can’t afford to switch off, even for a few seconds,” he added.
Did Hourihane back his players?
Despite the result, Hourihane made clear he still has faith in his squad. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he insisted that the players “gave everything” and that the issue lay in execution rather than effort.
“The lads are working hard, they’re trying to do what we ask of them, and that’s the positive,” he said.
He also pushed back against suggestions that the team lacked belief, arguing that Barnsley had created enough to win and that confidence would return with goals.
“We’ve got the quality in the group,” he maintained. “It’s about getting that first goal, then the second usually follows.”
What did he say about the pressure at Oakwell?
With Barnsley sitting in a mid‑table position and fan expectations rising, Hourihane addressed the pressure around the club. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he urged supporters to remain patient, describing the current phase as “a process”.
“We’re building something here,” he said.
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
The manager also called for a “calm environment” around the club, warning that over‑reaction to individual results could be counter‑productive.
“We need to stay level‑headed, stick to our principles and keep working,” he added.
How did he rate Bolton’s tactics?
Hourihane offered a detailed assessment of Bolton’s tactical approach, praising their compact shape and discipline. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he said the Trotters “sat in two banks of four” and forced Barnsley to be patient in possession.
“They didn’t give us space between the lines, which made it difficult for our number 10 to operate,” he explained.
He also noted that Bolton’s full‑backs were “very disciplined” in their positioning, rarely overlapping unless they were certain of covering.
“They stayed compact and made it hard for us to get in behind,” he said, adding that Barnsley needed to “be smarter with our movement” to unlock such a setup.
What did he highlight as key moments?
When asked to pinpoint decisive moments, Hourihane pointed to a sequence early in the second half when Barnsley failed to capitalise on a sustained spell of pressure. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he said his side had “three or four clear chances” in a short period but could not convert.
“That’s the moment you need to take the game by the scruff of the neck,” he remarked.
He also referenced a late Barnsley free‑kick that was cleared off the line, calling it “a big moment” that could have changed the outcome.
“If that goes in, the whole feel of the game changes,” he said.
How did he compare both teams’ strengths?
In his broader assessment, Hourihane drew a contrast between Barnsley’s attacking intent and Bolton’s defensive solidity. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he said Barnsley “want to play and create”, whereas Bolton “focus on being hard to beat”.
“They’re very well‑organised and they know how to frustrate teams,” he observed.
He added that Bolton’s physicality and aerial strength were also notable, particularly at set‑pieces.
“They’re strong in the air and they make you work for every ball,” he said, suggesting that Barnsley must be “more clinical” when they do win those duels.
What did he say about the atmosphere?
Hourihane also commented on the atmosphere at Oakwell, praising the home support for backing the team throughout the match. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he said the fans “stayed with us” even when the going got tough.
“We’re grateful for their support,” he said.
“We need to give them something to cheer about with more wins.”
He urged supporters to keep faith, arguing that consistent backing would help the players “stay focused” during a demanding season.
“We’re all in this together,” he added.
What are his plans moving forward?
Looking ahead, Hourihane outlined his intention to work on both attacking efficiency and defensive concentration in training. As reported by Tom Huxley of The Bolton News, he said the coaching staff would “review the game in detail” and address the “small details” that cost Barnsley points.
“We’ll go back to basics, work on our finishing and our defensive shape, and make sure we’re ready for the next one,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of building momentum over the coming fixtures, warning that “every game is massive” in a tightly packed League One table.
“We can’t afford to dwell on this one,” he concluded. “We have to move on quickly and get back to winning way