Thomas Frank
Team news
Ethan Pinnock and Sergi Canos are still out. They could be back for Everton.
Manager of the month nomination
Of course I’m aware of the next couple of games but I never look that far ahead. And if I do, it’s only because I’m just a normal person with a mind where sometimes it plays tricks with me, and I say ‘no, back, focus’. The only thing [I think of is] next training, next game. And I think the main bit is we’ve been so good at being extremely focused on the next game and I think that’s what helped us go into that good run of games and results.
Last time out at Southampton
It was not like we had 10 big chances, but they were ruthless. They were relentless in their finishing and score from their first corner very early in the game [at 1-0]. We actually get back in the game, and they’re a little bit more dominating, but without tearing us apart, and then they score on another set-piece from a second phase just before half-time. To make it even worse, they score from a transition after five minutes where we actually started well second half – that’s more or less done deal.
Sergi Canos to Barcelona?
Chris [Wickham, Brentford’s communications director] said it to me this morning, it came as a little bit of a surprise for me! I think Sergi is a brilliant player, we all know he’s got a pass there. What is a rumour or what is a little bit of truth in it, honestly I don’t know. I guess if there’s more into it, Phil [Giles, director of football] will knock on my door and tell me.
Coming up against James Ward-Prowse?
Don’t give free-kicks away. 10 players in the wall. We are aware. We prepared for it. Where do you put your keeper. Hopefully don’t make the fouls around the box in the sweet spot positions. There are definitely some areas where he is more efficient than others. I think he is remarkable. I said it last time and I will keep that message: I think maybe right now he is potentially the best FK taker in the world. I understand why the top-six clubs are looking at him.
Roy Keane comments
Every pundit or expert can come with their comments, that’s why they are in the studio. They are paid to have their views on the games – I think it’s a classic one to say when you are on the scoreboard and lose 3-0 and United turned up and played a good game, and it’s natural to say that. I saw a performance that was not to our top level – but what’s the reason behind that? That could be everything. I think we’ve showed to all the away grounds we’ve been to this season, that we try to be brave. Sometimes, we are very successful, sometimes we are not for various reasons because we actually play an opponent who also want to win. That’s how I see it.
