Thomas Frank
Injury latest?
Kristoffer Ajer could make the bench, Bryan Mbeumo is touch and go and Vitaly Janelt could return.
What have you made of Steven Gerrard and what has he done that has caught your eye?
I think he’s done well, it’s like Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United. I think [Ralf] is a brilliant manager, just like Steven Gerrard is a brilliant manager. I think it needs to be measured over time instead of three games, because you can have a good start and what do you do then if we’re in a bad spell? I think it’s difficult to say if it’s fantastic or really bad, obviously if you won or lost all their games, then it’s pretty clear. So, I think he’s done well and I think he will do very well at Villa. I’m expecting that he’s doing very well, but I think more time is needed to see the bigger picture of a more clear identity.
Does Villa having a full week of training give them that extra freshness?
That potentially can be extra freshness. We’ve played two games and we are in a good rhythm, so it depends how we see it. I think the big thing is that we have the three days instead of two. Two days that’s always a bit tougher to turn that round to go 90 and have that unbelievably high level. Three days should be fine, I expect us to perform well and be fresh on Sunday.
Do you expect Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins to get good receptions?
I hope so. I always look forward to meeting former Brentford players, because I know they have had a good time here. I like to speak to them and hear how they are; we had Ezri for one year, I worked together closely with Ollie for three years. So, looking forward to welcoming them back and I think they contributed well to the rise of Brentford and I hope they will get a great reception.
You’re coming up against him on Sunday and you came up against his midfield rival Frank Lampard a few years ago. Who are you taking in their prime – Gerrard or Lampard?
That’s a tough one! Let me put this way, I thought they were two of the best midfielders in Europe in their prime, and maybe ever.
