Barnsley head coach, Darrell Clarke has expressed frustration with midfielder Kelechi Nwakali, urging the midfielder to improve his fitness levels.

Nwakali, who joined the club in the summer as a free agent from Portuguese side GD Chaves, has yet to make an appearance this season.

Kelechi Nwakali during the Liga Portugal match for GD Chaves. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Nwakali missed the entirety of Barnsley’s six-week pre-season, and Clarke has made it clear that the midfielder needs to step up his efforts to break into the first team.

“Kelechi is a mile off right now,” Clarke said in a recent interview. “He needs to do what I’ve told him—get fitter, more high-speed distance running. It’s nothing I haven’t already said to him.”

Darrell Clarke, manager of Barnsley. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old last played competitive football in May, and Clarke stressed the importance of a change in Nwakali’s approach.

“He needs to improve in all areas, but we also understand he’s adapting to the English game,” Clarke added. “We’ll keep working with him.”

With stiff competition in Barnsley’s midfield, Clarke emphasized that every player must be fully committed to earning their place.

“Our midfield is a strong area, and everyone has a part to play, but they have to give their best every single day,” the coach concluded.