Thomas Frank
You take on Leicester City this weekend. What have you made of Brendan Rodgers’ side so far?
I think that Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job the last couple of years. Coming fifth in the Premier League table, really so close to the Champions League spots, playing entertaining style of football and really developed a good side that is very very dangerous and I think they will compete for the top four this season. We need to be at our absolute best to get something out of this game and we believe we can.
You’re winning a lot of plaudits this season. At what stage will people forget Brentford are a newly-promoted team because it looks like they have been in this division for years?
Good question! We are a newly-promoted team and we are pleased we have added something to the Premier League and we are constantly aware we have to perform at a very high level to keep that going. We are on a mission and we want to do something in the league and let’s see how far that takes us.
Carlo Ancelotti said Youri Tielemans is one of the players he would bring from this league to Real Madrid. Do you think he is one of the best players in the league?
Yes, absolutely agree. I think Tielemans has a bit of everything, so he is a very flexible player. He is so composed and skilful on the ball.
Leicester were in Europa League action on Wednesday afternoon away in Russia. Do you feel you have a slight edge on them ahead of this game?
No. I’m pretty sure they are well-trained and fit, and they have a strong squad and they will rotate a few players. I’m pretty sure Vardy will start! I think when you have three days, no problem. Two days, you could say a tiny bit but I know we played 20 games Saturday-Tuesday/Wednesday in a row last year, managed to keep a better intensity in some games. They will be fine and ready – I’m 100% sure.
The likes of Marcus Forss and Saman Ghoddos really did step up to the plate last week [against Chelsea]. How impressed were you with them and do you think they can help again on Sunday?
100 per cent very pleased. I can’t praise Marcus and Saman enough, because they haven’t played many minutes in the Premier League but they train very hard, staying very fit. When they are stepping into the team, they are ready and they can keep the intensity and tempo, which is so important.
This week saw the return of European domestic football. How great would it be if you managed to take Brentford into any European competition and would it rank as one of your greatest ever achievements?
If we managed to do that, it will be there! We have a big focus on the next game, because it is so important. We want to end as high as possible and let’s see where it takes us. We never know, everything can happen both going up but also going the other way, I’m very aware of that. That’s why staying in the moment and do everything we can to maximise things and let’s see where that takes us.
