He has helped Sunderland to 7 points out of a possible 9 against the Championship top 3, however he has warned Sunderland players and fans alike that games against teams at the bottom of the league can be just a difficult.
He said: "Teams want to beat Sunderland because this is a big club. We're a scalp.
"At the same time we have to show we can go away and beat the smaller teams.
"There's no point beating the big teams and then not taking care of the smaller teams. You need the same attitude for every game.
"Each game is going to be different. Birmingham and Derby were quite direct.
"West Brom passed it more. Some of the smaller teams we've played have passed the ball about quite well.
"We have managed to cope with most things that have been thrown at us lately and we have to continue that.
"Barnsley are scrapping to stay in this division. We'll have a lot of fans down there but the home fans will be up for it, too.
"We'll show Barnsley the same respect as we have Birmingham, Derby and West Brom and prepare properly for this game."