Manager accepts fans booing for their poor first half performance

Leyton Orient boss Fabio Liverani believes today’s 2-0 loss at Barnsley was a big step backwards as they now find themselves just above League One bottom side Crewe Alexandra on goal difference.

First half goals from Conor Hourihane and Devante Cole proved their undoing at Oakwell and despite goalkeeper Ross Turnbull’s sending off for the Tykes with 17 minutes remaining, the O’s were only able to muster one shot on target in the entire match.

And while he saw positives in the defeat against Peterborough United the previous weekend, admitted today’s performance was difficult to take.

“Today the match was not very good,” said Liverani. “There is a lot to work on and today is a step back from the previous game at home last Saturday.”

The O’s were particularly poor in the opening period as Barnsley ensured a win for boss Danny Wilson in his 1,000th game as a football manager.

That led to boos from some of the 583 Orient supporters at Oakwell at half time and full time.

And the new Italian boss accepts the fans reaction following their first half performance, though did feel the O’s improved after the break.

“I accept the fans booing not just the players but also the staff because we are all together at half time and the performance was poor,” said Liverani.

“On the other hand the second half was much better. We played with the guts and the heart that I asked them to do at half time.

“Thanks to all the supporters who have travelled today near Christmas time to watch us”

Liverani’s English is improving, and started his post match press conference in English.

But the Italian feels the language barrier is not the reason for today’s defeat.

“With the concept that I have explained at training the language is not a barrier,” he added.

“The mistake with the first goal has nothing to do with the language barrier. It is definitely a disappointment to concede a goal like that.”

Injuries continue to plague the new boss, particularly up front, with Gianvito Plasmati only last 16 minutes with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

“The big problem is the amount of injuries we have and to then have Plasmati out early on made us change again,” said Liverani.

“There are nine players out injured and that is the big problem for us. It is difficult for me up front with all the injuries. The injuries are a problem but they are not an excuse.”