Thomas Frank
Team news?
Everyone from the Crystal Palace game should be available but we’ll assess Mathias Jensen and Shandon Baptiste to see if they’ll be involved in the squad.
Want any more transfer business?
I’m happy. I think we’ve got a strong squad. It’s a squad that can compete. But of course we’re always aware of the market and I can’t say there won’t be one come in. We’re not desperate to get anyone in.
Talking to Forest about Brennan Johnson?
I’d really loved to discuss but as long as we don’t have the players in the house then I don’t think I could speak about other clubs.
What you think of Ronaldo going to Man City? Would he come to Brentford according to your data models?
I’m not sure the resale value would be that big but I haven’t talked to the commercial team about if there’s quite a bit of moeny to gain from that side. You never know. I haven’t heard if it’s official yet but maybe Brentford can sign Ronaldo, you never know. He’s a top player, one of the best in the world, still a really good striker.
Pleased to see Ollie Watkins to do well at Villa?
I want and wish Ollie all the best. I’ve been so happy every time he’s got success. It was a sad moment when he had to leave. I can remember the day after the playoff final he was in tears because he loved the club, loved his team-mates and loved everything about Brentford. But of course he had a season that was unbeilevable and we knew that if we didn’t go up he’d have to go and be a success in the Premier League. He improved last year, I was never in doubt about that. It was still a bargain for Villa. I look forward to see him on Saturday. We text each other every once in a while and I’m pleased he got his England debut.
Better start than you expected?
No. You want more. We are very humble. Of course we believe in ourselves. We go into every single game believing we can win it. We believe we can go to Villa Park and get something from it. Villa is a massive club, they’ve done fantastic. Dean, my good friend, has done fantastic job at Villa. They’ve built, invested massively in the squad. I know they got money in for Grealish and lost their best player but they have invested in Buendia, Ings, Bailey, Ashley Young. Last year they bought Cash and Ollie of course, so they are building a team that’s potentially a top eight team, and with the status of the club, I can imagine they want to be a top six team.
Are you pleased with the start?
Of course I am. Mostly with the performances so far. I still think there are bits we can do better – especially in the Crystal Palace game and the first half against Forest Green – but we need to continue and constantly develop the team. We’re in a fine place but we take nothing for granted. It’s a tough opponent and tough place we’re going to tomorrow but we trust we can make a difference.
Ever dream you’d be in the top half of the Premier League?
Yes but that’s relatively easy [now]. It’s more difficult after more time so ask after 10 games or 19 games. Now it’s just a snapshot. The performances have been good.
New signings settling in well?
They are settling in well, especially Kris Ajer and Frank Onyeka because they’ve played the first two games and done really well. Yoane came in a little later but we have big expectations in how he can help us. He had 90 minutes and a goal on Tuesday night. They are settling in well but at different stages of how they can perform now.
What do you expect from Villa?
Very good team, as I said before, and I look forward to visiting my good friend Dean Smith. He’s done very well in the three years he’s been there. In attack they are very promising. Ings is one of the best strikers outside of the top six, Buendia is very exciting, I really like also McGinn. He’s a fantastic midfielder, I really like him.
Do you have more knowledge of how Dean Smith will set up against you?
Yeah but that works both ways. He knows me very well as well. We know each other, how we think. That’s a help but also maybe not. We know each other so well. I look forward to speaking to him. We’ve spoke in the past couple of weeks. I’m very happy he’s done so well. I know what a brilliant manager he is, how good he is at building a culture and a team. The most important thing is outside of the football is he’s an unbelievable person. He really takes care of everyone whether it’s Grealish or the kitman. He’s a fantastic man-manager. We’ve been on the phone quite a few times but because of covid haven’t been able to see each other.
What did you think of Yoane Wissa vs Forest Green?
He scored a good goal, he was active in the final third. That’s important but equally important is the work ehic and how you press to how we play. He took a big step up but he can do even better. He’s going in the right direction.
How big an influence has Dean Smith been on your coaching careers?
Dean Smith but also Richard, the assistant he took to Villa with him, was a massive help when I joined the club. The first week I lived in their house and they made it so easy for me to be ingrained in Brentford. They were completely open from day one. They are from England and I’m from Denmark so we have different cultures but to understand the Championship they were a massive help. Since we split up we’ve been on the phone with each and spoken to Dean about different bits and pieces.
How tough a challenge has it been so far?
It’s extremely exciting but it’s also tough. The pace and the game and quality of the players is crazy high. We’ve done very well but we have to be at our top level every time. That’s the big part about keeping our mental focus to keep producing good actions and performances as individuals and as a team. We need to push that every single day. Right now we haven’t been punished in the Premier League but that day will come when we make a mistake. We’re very aware of it.
Worried about international break and covid?
No, I haven’t got any concerns. We are proud of players being called up to their international teams. I’m sure people will take care of them wherever they go and hopefully will come back with good experiences.
What do you think of Ezri Konza?
He’s a very talented centre back, like a Roll’s Royce in how he moves. He’s a smooth mover. You don’t know how quick he is. He’s extremely good on the ball and he learnt to be a better defender. Sometimes when you are very talented and look like a nice players, as a centre back you need to be an unbelievable defender to hit the top level. He’s improved and developed in the last two or three years. He’s got huge potential.
