#PLStories- Thomas Frank on Kristoffer Ajer, Norwich City and Brentford’s start to life in the Premier League #BRENTFORDFC
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Thomas Frank
Latest with Kristoffer Ajer?
He will be out for a few more weeks. I expect him back around end of December/start of January.
What did you say to the players after the defeat to Burnley?
There are a lot of things we need to learn from that game, there clearly was a lot of defensive principles that we didn’t do well enough, that we talked about. There was a little bit about calmness and discipline, and sometimes you just play like [expletive]. You just need to get a bit closer together and do the basic things right – then you eat your way into the game.
What advice do you give to the players after a defeat?
I’ve learned over time people do it differently, and I feel pain when we lose. It’s after those 24 hours where you need to learn how to go forward.
There’s been a lot of talk of Daniel Farke facing the sack – how much do you sympathise with him given you were under pressure in the past yourself?
We know it’s part of the game, that’s one thing. The other thing, you need to look at the work Daniel has done – it speaks for itself. I think it’s up to every club, if they believe in the manager, sometimes it goes up and down – like the stock market. I will stick with him, no matter what happens this year.
To be 12th at this stage even on the back of three successive defeats and a huge injury list, you must be happy with that especially being a newly promoted team?
Of course, you’re going into the league and we want to finish high as possible. It’s been a good start, especially if you look at the performances. 18 good halves out of 20, that’s good and that’s why we have that many points, actually I think we should have more points if you look at the stats and performances. I think in that aspect, I’m a little bit disappointed we’re not higher but I am very aware we have been unlucky with injuries.
Going back to the injuries, it is a very thin squad. How do you plan to get the players through what is set to be a very excruciating period after the international break, especially with eight games in December?
I think it’s very important to be aware of that, that is in a little bit less of month! The good news is that some of our players are looking to get back relatively soon, so that hopefully helps the squad. I would say last year, we had the same size squad, we played nine games in December – this year is only eight and we did very well in a very competitive physical league like the Championship. I am confident we will do well in December, but right now I just want do well against Norwich on Saturday.
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