 On 6 June 2018, Stendel was appointed as manager of League One club Barnsley on a two-year deal.On 13 April 2019, following a 4–2 home win over Fleetwood Town, South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation after opposition manager Joey Barton allegedly assaulted Stendel in the tunnel.Since the incident, Barton has been charged by South Yorkshire Police with ABH and bailed until 9 October 2019.