Thomas Frank says only time will tell if his Aston Villa counterpart Steven Gerrard proves to be a resounding success at Villa Park. Asked what he’s made of Gerrard and what has he done that has caught his eye,
Thomas Frank said: “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.”
Villa go into the New Year clash with the benefit of a full week of training compared to Brentford, who played on Wednesday night, meaning they have a four day turn-around following their 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City. Asked if Villa will have a slight advantage as a result of more time to rest and prepare for the game,
Thomas Frank said: “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.”
