Barnsley appear to be edging closer to appointing Daniel Stendel’s successor with reports emerging that Jens Keller is among a narrowed down shortlist.

Since parting company with Daniel Stendel in early October, Barnsley have been extremely cautious in their search for a replacement. They have ensured that an appointment is made following a rigorous search to find the perfect candidate and have appeared to narrow down their options. 

One of those options is former Ingolstadt manager Jens Keller. The German has been out of a job since early April after leaving Ingolstadt, who finished last season in 16th in the 2.Bundesliga and were relegated, following Keller’s departure. Notably, in his managerial career, he has taken charge of Schalke and Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

With Barnsley’s long appointment process seemingly nearing its conclusion, we take a look at two pros and two cons of them opting to secure Jens Keller as Stendel’s replacement... 

Pro: Continuity

With the dismissal of Daniel Stendel, Barnsley have been left with a squad built and coached in his vision over the two summers he had been there. The problem they face now is that they need a manager that can utilise the squad that Stendel helped create.

If Keller is appointed, Barnsley would be getting a manager with a similar philosophy to Stendel of front-foot attacking football in an ambitious 4-3-3 formation, something that could suit the talent Barnsley have going forward.

Con: It’s a big gamble

Having never managed outside of Germany, Keller could present a huge risk for Barnsley. The Tykes are currently under immense pressure to start getting positive results to try to survive immediate relegation back to League One.

Keller might struggle to come to terms with the intensity of the division and the style of play team operate with, as many have in the past. The most notable example recently has been Jan Siewert’s ill-fated Huddersfield Town tenure, where the Terriers looked to replicate David Wagner’s success but failed massively as they hoped to strike gold twice.

Pro: It is a long-term investment

If Barnsley do appoint the German, they will definitely be focusing on the long-term future of the club. Keller would certainly need time to implement his philosophy on this young Barnsley squad.

The process of finding the perfect candidate has been long because Barnsley are being patient to find the best option possible, so will look to give Keller time to get his squad playing the way he envisions, rather than putting immediate pressure on him. 

Con: Barnsley need a turnaround

Conversely to the last pro, Barnsley do still need results to turn around as quick as possible, with their winless run stretching to 14 games since the opening day.

If the Tykes are looking to stave off relegation, the appointment of a manager with the intention of giving him as much time as he needs to implement style might have disastrous consequences for their current campaign. 

By the time he has put his stamp on the team, it could be too late for Barnsley to pick up any momentum. Also, with Keller seemingly looking at a month and a half to work with a squad without making recruitments, he might struggle to get any momentum together until January.