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Arsenal reportedly had their eyes on Brentford’s star player Bryan Mbeumo for a summer transfer. Mbeumo had been in exceptional form this season, scoring 13 goals in 20 Premier League matches. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland had outscored him. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s current top scorer was Kai Havertz with seven goals. The Gunners were keen…
Thomas Frank reflected on Brentford’s performance against Nottingham Forest. Thomas Frank said, “We played a game where, in big spells, we dominated and were on top. We lacked the cutting edge to take chance, after chance, after chance – but I thought it was enough to score at least one goal. Nottingham Forest defended well…
Thomas Frank, outlining the challenge his Brentford side would face, spoke about Newcastle United’s performance this season. Thomas Frank said “Newcastle have looked good this season.” Frank praised the achievements of Eddie Howe and his team over the past few years, highlighting their progress and resilience in top-tier football. Thomas Frank said “Eddie Howe, his…
Thomas Frank has recently emerged as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. According to MailOnline, Chelsea held meetings with Frank before appointing Enzo Maresca, and there were talks with the Red Devils over the summer. While neither club submitted offers, the report states that Ineos and executives across the Premier League…
Bryan Mbeumo has shown remarkable performance since joining Brentford from Troyes in 2019. His notable form has attracted interest from top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, and potentially Tottenham. A specific video has fueled speculation about his future. Remarks from Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, further highlight Mbeumo’s value and impact on the team. Since joining…
Wolverhampton Wanderers faced a daunting 3-2 defeat against Brentford, a match that underscored their ongoing defensive struggles and left them at the bottom of the Premier League table. The match began swiftly with Brentford almost continuing their early goal-scoring trend, as Nathan Collins headed in after one minute and 15 seconds, setting the stage for…
Ivan Toney will not be involved in Brentford’s Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday amid transfer links with Manchester United and Chelsea . The forward has been linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline at 11pm. Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli had appeared to be his most likely destination,…
Mbeumo’s fourth of the season cancelled out goals from Dominic Solanke and David Brooks after Mathias Jensen put Brentford in the lead for Brentford in the first half.
And Frank praised his team’s second-half display which saw them extend their unbeaten start to the season, with six points on the board.
“First half we were good but second half we were fantastic,” Frank said.
“I think we ran over Bournemouth in the second half and we created chance after chance.
“The only chance I can remember from Bournemouth was the goal, and that was a mistake from Rico (Henry).
“But the mentality in this team is incredible. What character. They never give up, they will never die.
“After we got a more than well-deserved equaliser, we still went for it, with centre-backs Nathan Collins and Kristoffer Ajer still overlapping.
“I am very proud of the team’s performance.
“If we play this 100 times, we win it 98, draw one, that was (Saturday), and lose the other time, because there were so many big chances.”
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has admitted that Arsenal target David Raya wants to leave the club during the summer transfer window. Frank was then asked whether this meant that it is just a matter of time before the 27-year-old completes a move, to which he told NBC Sports, Thomas Frank said: “Unfortunately it’s not that…
Thomas Frank called Brentford’s Premier League double over Manchester City a “fairytale” achievement for the club. The Bees emerged victorious at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, with Ethan Pinnock scoring a late winner. Pep Guardiola – with one eye on next weekend’s FA Cup final – fielded a weakened side but Phil Foden, Riyad…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has hailed the “fantastic” work David Moyes has done at West Ham United ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture. The Hammers head to the Gtech Community Stadium looking for their first win against the Bees in the Premier League after losing all three of their top flight meetings since Brentford were…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank was left frustrated by his side’s draw with Aston Villa. Assessing his team’s work, Frank lauded his players for ending Villa’s win-streak, giving credit to the difficult challenge posed by Emery’s side. Thomas Frank said: “I am so pleased. The players did everything we asked of them – I think it…
Brentford manager Thomas Frank says he “admires” Leicester City and that their struggles this season serve as an important reminder of how teams can suffer. Ahead of the match in London, Brentford boss Frank has delivered his verdict on City and their season so far. The manager pointed to the club’s achievements in recent years…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes Sean Dyche’s impact on the Everton squad has been clear to see since being appointed at the end of January. Tipped to be among the teams among the relegation fight before a ball was kicked in August, the London side have exceeded expectations and it is instead Everton who find…
Thomas Frank has brushed off speculation that he could replace Antonio Conte as Tottenham manager. It has begun to look increasingly likely that the Italian will leave Spurs once his contract expires in the summer. The Brentford boss is one of the many names expected to be on Tottenham’s shortlist if Conte leaves – as…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has declared that he expects Newcastle United to target the top six in the future. Newcastle have lost just one of their opening eight games, and defeated Fulham 4-1 in their last outing to end a six-match winless run and climb into seventh place. Frank’s side travel to St James’ Park to…
BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank said Gary O’Neil and his staff had done a “very good job” since taking charge at Cherries and added the Dorset outfit “work unbelievably hard”.
The Danish coach was speaking after his Bees were held to a 0-0 draw with interim boss O’Neil’s Cherries at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The result meant O’Neil was now four games unbeaten since taking over from sacked Scott Parker back in August, picking up six points in the process.
“I think it was a tight game. I think Gary O’Neil and his staff have done a very good job,” said Frank, after his side shared the spoils on the south coast.
“Four games unbeaten, very difficult to break down, difficult to create chances against. They work unbelievably hard.
“If there should have been a narrow winner, I think it should have been us. I think we had the better chances – Pontus Jansson, Kristoffer (Ajer), free headers. (Mikkel) Damsgaard could finish and Ivan (Toney) had three or four half chances.
“But we just didn’t have the quality. For me, we lacked the quality from more or less all my offensive players.”
Former West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder O’Neil has been linked with both Huddersfield and Middlesbrough during his interim spell at Cherries.
Asked whether he should get the role at Vitality Stadium full-time, Frank said: “That’s not up to me to answer! Of course, I watched the three games they played. In many ways, very impressive performances and in football, sometimes you get an opportunity that you didn’t see coming.
“It could be one of them. We all, of course I, myself only got better with more and more experience.
“Gary maybe doesn’t have the most experience as a head coach, but if you have a skillset as a coach and tried a lot, and he had a good playing career as well, then why not?”
BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank moved to praise referee Thomas Bramall for the way he refereed Saturday’s clash at Vitality Stadium.
Cherries and Brentford played out a goalless draw in the club’s first ever meeting in the top flight.
But it was referee Bramall at the centre of attention for two of the game’s biggest flashpoints, opting not to award Cherries a penalty on two separate occasions.
The hosts claimed for a spot-kick during the first half when Jordan Zemura went down under Kris Ajer’s challenge.
Having not given a penalty, Bramall was referred to the pitchside monitor by VAR John Brooks.
After a lengthy review, Bramall opted to stick with his initial decision and award a goal kick.
Then, in the dying seconds of the contest, Cherries gave loud appeals when a ball flew up onto the arm of Brentford midfield Mathias Jensen inside the box. Again Bramall was unmoved and the game ended level.
Bramall was taking charge of just his second Premier League match, his first coming when Fulham hosted Brighton in August.
Asked for his thoughts on the penalty claims, Frank said: “First, I would like to praise Thomas Bramall for his job.
“A young ref, I don’t know how many games he’s reffed in the Premier League. But every game in the Premier League is important.
“You can say Liverpool v City, but I think Bournemouth v Brentford is equally as important for both teams.
“His character and calm head in a very, very stressful moment. You know when you’re called over to the monitor, it’s a very decisive decision for the game.
“And we know, all of us in this room, nine times out of 10, most likely it will be a pen. But he stuck to his decision.
“I think that says a lot about him. I’m not in doubt that’s not a pen. So I think that was very well done from him.
“The only mistake he made was he was a little bit unclear whether he was giving a penalty or a goal-kick.”
He added: “It was definitely not a penalty.
“The way I see it, he (Ajer) definitely touched the ball and then Zemura is falling over him.”
Quizzed on Cherries’ second penalty claim, Frank said: “That was a penalty two years ago. Then we luckily changed the rules.
“I hated that rule two years ago, because I think everyone is working so hard and then a randomness that would’ve given a penalty two years ago.
“So I’m so glad we got that out of the game, because I think that’s the most fair thing. So definitely not a penalty.”
THOMAS Frank pinpointed three Cherries players his Brentford side will need to be wary of this weekend.
Frank brings the Bees to Vitality Stadium on Saturday, for the first meeting of the two clubs at Premier League level.
The last time the pair battled came in the Championship play-offs in May 2021, where Brentford prevailed over Jonathan Woodgate’s side 3-2 on aggregate.
They went on to defeat Swansea City in the Wembley final, with Cherries joining them in the top flight with promotion last season.
Looking ahead to the challenge on the south coast, boss Frank said: “It will be another big challenge. I think Gary (O’Neil) and his staff and players have done a very good job.
“On the results side they’ve had two draws and a win, but also the performances have been very solid. They’re difficult to play against. They look good.
“I remember us playing them in the Championship two years ago and they have many of the same players.
“They were two very, very even games in the Championship, two very even games in the play-offs and I expect a very even game (on Saturday). Hopefully we’ll come out on top.
“We’ll go down and attack and do what we can to get three points.
“We know they have players that can hurt us. Especially (Dominic) Solanke I think is a very good striker. I think (Ryan) Christie has done well as well and (Marcus) Tavernier.”
O’Neil is set to take charge of his fourth game as interim boss, following the sacking of Scott Parker after Cherries’ were embarrassed 9-0 by Liverpool.
Asked how impressed he is by the way Cherries have bounced back from the humiliation at Anfield, Frank said: “It’s very impressive.
“Either you fall apart after a game like that, or you stick together and show that you’re stronger.
“We know Bournemouth is a club with a lot of experience still.
“It’s only two or three years ago they were in the Premier League. A lot of these players that are playing now also played in the Premier League back then.
“So it’s an experienced squad with good players.
“In this league, besides the top six, that are from another galaxy, the rest of us are more humans and we need to fight for every point.
“All 14 of these teams can end in a situation where it is getting tricky. Bournemouth is a good side.”
Cherries currently sit 12th in the Premier League, one point and three places behind Brentford after seven matches.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank expects another tight encounter against Crystal Palace after two goalless draws from their meetings last season. Thomas Frank said: “That would be amazing. Looking back at all of our Premier League games it is not often we create that many chances. Can we do that? That would be fantastic, that’s what we…
Delighted with the win? Yes! Very delighted. Obviously a very difficult place to come and play – I think the Everton fans were remarkable. I think it’s potentially one of the best atmosphere I’ve ever tried in the first 20-25 minutes, but of course I know the dynamic changed in the game. We struggled until…
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…
First half I think we could have performed even better, especially first half. They [United] were more on top of the game without creating chance after chance – they had one top moment and a 1-0 goal and credit to them, but we still need to do better [3 vs 1 in the box] to…
Team news Ajer and Norgaard should be available [for Old Trafford]. United assessment The club is one of the biggest in world football, what they created over the years. The team are obviously struggling in terms of the ambitions, I don’t think that’s any secret – I can say that without any disrespect. They’ve had…
Team news? Zanka and Pinnock are both out. Zanka is out for the rest of the season and Pinnock, hopefully a couple of weeks, I think United will be borderline – let’s see. Antonio Conte described you as one of the managers of the season. What does that feel like? Of course, it’s always nice….
Thomas Frank hopes Brentford can help Christian Eriksen flourish against his former club Tottenham. The Bees host Champions League-chasing Spurs at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday when Eriksen will hope to continue his brilliant return to the Premier League. Thomas Frank said: “I think he just literally looks forward to playing Tottenham. He has…
BURNLEY’S decision to part company with Sean Dyche shocked the footballing world, but what have his managerial counterparts had to say?
“I am massively surprised. I don’t know what happened behind the scenes but looking from the outside and as a Brentford head coach, there are a lot of things we can learn from a club like Burnley.
“They were promoted, relegated and then promoted again and they have been here six or seven years in the Premier League. It is remarkable what they have done.
“I think Sean Dyche deserves a lot of credit and they should build a statue of him outside Turf Moor because what he has done is incredible.
“Every season, going into the Premier League with probably bottom three or bottom four budget and then still being able to compete and not just survive, but get at least a couple of top ten places is a fantastic, remarkable job.
“Looking from the outside, I think they would have had a better chance keeping him to survive because he knows everything. But of course, I don’t know everything.”
Graham Potter, Brighton
“I feel for a colleague, someone who I have a lot of respect for. It is never nice when someone loses their job of course, but we know these things happen in football.
“I don’t think he’ll be out of work for long because the job he did at Burnley was fantastic. I think it is part of life. Sean is a big guy, he knows how it is.
“The reality is there are more people to feel sorry for than Premier League managers but there is a pressure, an expectation. Sometimes it is fair, sometimes it is unfair – it goes with the territory. We know that when we go into it.
“We know when results don’t go well you are under pressure, you have got scrutiny. But it is part of the thing you sign up for and you have to deal with it.”
Roy Hodgson, Watford
“Of all the people in the league, he would have been one of the ones I would have thought most likely to survive anything like this, so I have no idea what has happened.
“Something must have happened because you don’t part company with a manager like Sean Dyche after all the fantastic things he has done for that club over the last 10 years – he has built the club.
“So I was surprised, shocked and disappointed too because I know Sean quite well and I admire him as coach and a manager. I didn’t think that something like this would happen to him.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
“I only have words of praise because what he has done at the club over the last 10 years is phenomenal.
“He gave the club a really clear identity, he has managed to keep the team, with one of the smallest budgets, consistently in the league. I wish him the best of luck and as always with colleagues, it is sad when you see those decisions.”
David Moyes, West Ham
“I am shocked and a little bit surprised as well. I think Sean has done such a great job and established Burnley in the Premier League over many years.
“Over recent times, Burnley have been a very difficult team to play against and most of that has been done by Sean.”
Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace
“It was quite surprising. There is no doubt about the work he has been doing at Burnley in the last 10 years, but this is the industry we are living in.
“It is difficult to see a manager losing his position, but this is the world that we are in and as difficult as it is, that is the way it is.”
Is a top 10 finish possible? It is remarkable the season we’re having at this moment in time. It’s funny sometimes how the narrative changes quickly in football – two losses or wins means either you’re in a relegation battle or you’re looking at top 10. I think one of our strengths this season is…
How many points do Brentford need to survive? Good question – I don’t know! I don’t focus on that – the only thing I focus on is the next game against Chelsea. After the game earlier in the season, what did you say to Kasper Schmeichel today? I said to him again “Well done!” –…
Brentford manager Thomas Frank believes Leicester City scored two goals from “zero chances” against his side on Sunday afternoon. Timothy Castagne and James Maddison netted long-range efforts as City beat Brentford 2-1 at the King Power Stadium. Both goals flew into the top corner and saw Leicester go 2-1 up. A late goal from Brentford’s Yoane Wissa…
Leicester City have “two of the best offensive players in the league” in Youri Tielemans and James Maddison, Brentford boss Thomas Frank believes. Thomas Frank said: “We know it is going to be difficult. They have maybe not hit the highest level this season compared to the last two seasons where they were fighting for…
Burnley challenge? “I think they are relatively consistent in what they are doing, so I know they will come out pressing high, I know they will be very good in their mid-block, very aggressive in their duels. When you play with that consistency and that clear game plan, then some games it is extremely difficult…
An important point or a missed opportunity to get all three? I’m a positive man, so I will look at this as a good point. I’m also eager and want to do and have more and I said earlier that if there was a winner, it should have been us 100%. What I liked is that…
When are you expecting Christian Eriksen to arrive? Christian will arrive on Sunday, and train with the team on Monday. What do you make of Frank Lampard’s appointment as well as Ashley Cole joining his backroom staff? I hope it’ll go well for Frank and Ashley Cole of course, and all the backroom staff and…
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been fined £8,000 by the FA after being charged for his conduct after the Premier League game against Wolves earlier this month. The incident led to the referee showing Frank both a yellow and red card after full time as both teams made their way off the pitch. Thomas Frank said:…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract. The 48-year-old Dane took charge of the Bees in October 2018 and oversaw promotion last season via the Championship play-offs. His side have impressed in the Premier League this season, beating the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Aston Villa. Thomas…
Thomas Frank says a “confrontation” with Joao Moutinho sparked his dismissal after Brentford’s defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Explaining the incident, Thomas Frank said: “I was actually relatively calm going in there and there was a situation that triggered it. I got a yellow card after a confrontation with a Wolves player and then I turned around to…
Brentford boss Thomas Frank claimed it was a “miracle” Manchester United weren’t 2-0 down at half-time against his side. United were thankful to David de Gea for keeping them in the game at the Brentford Community Stadium and they went in goalless at the break after he made several saves. Thomas Frank said: “I know goals…
Brentford will play a different Liverpool this weekend than the team you faced in September. What type of reaction are you expecting from the players? It’s the first time we are going to Anfield, we all know it’s one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. We are all looking forward to that and…
Is it a bad time to play Southampton given they have picked up form? I think Southampton are a very good team, I think they are well-drilled and very difficult to play against, because they come with that intensity. Very open games that make it difficult so I agree that they were not in the…
Port Vale v Brentford was a league fixture not too long ago, now it’s League 2 vs Premier League. Is this where fans appreciate how far this club has come in such a short space of time? We are not even six months into our first Premier League season, but to put things in perspective,…
BRENTFORD manager Thomas Frank has admitted that he is worried Rasmus Ankersen will make Saints more successful and added: “We will miss him.”
Co-founder of Sport Republic, who have purchased Gao Jisheng’s controlling stake to become the new owners of Saints, Ankersen already has an esteemed career in football.
He only departed his most recent job as co-director of football at Brentford at the end of 2021, after helping mastermind their promotion to the Premier League.
Bees boss Frank was asked about the fellow Dane, ahead of their FA Cup clash with Port Vale.
“First and foremost Rasmus has done a fantastic job for us,” he said, as reported by The Athletic. “I’ve known him for 15 years and I’ve loved to work with him in five years at Brentford so I will miss him.
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“We will miss him. He did a top job in terms of being part of getting Brentford to be a Premier League club and being a well-established club in terms of recruiting and selling players.
“I don’t know too much about the Southampton thing to be fair. I would love it if he was here but he’s not. I’m confident that me, Phil Giles, Lee Dykes and Matthew (Benham) will find a way to do as well as we have done the whole time.”
Asked if he is worried that Ankersen’s involvement will make Saints, and a direct Premier League rival of the London outfit, stronger, he responded: “Yeah.
“Because Rasmus is very intelligent and very good at his job in terms of building a club and making them better.
“He’s been a part of that at both Midtjylland and Brentford.
“But one thing I know in football you can’t do things overnight. I think Southampton are doing a good job but to do a big turnaround it will take time.”
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank says it “shouldn’t be possible” for his Premier League new boys to be above Aston Villa in the top-flight table. After coming from behind to beat Steven Gerrard ‘s side with goals from Yoane Wissa and Mads Roerslev, Brentford jumped one point ahead of Villa into 12th. Thomas Frank said: “I think…
Injury latest? Kristoffer Ajer could make the bench, Bryan Mbeumo is touch and go and Vitaly Janelt could return. What have you made of Steven Gerrard and what has he done that has caught your eye? I think he’s done well, it’s like Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United. I think [Ralf] is a brilliant manager,…
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]…
Brentford have confirmed the loan signing of Jonas Lössl until the end of the 2021-22 season. The 32-year-old will compete with Alvaro Fernandez for the number one shirt, whilst David Raya recovers from a knee injury sustained in October’s defeat to Leicester City. Thomas Frank said: “Jonas is a very good goalkeeper who will bring with…
Fixture congestion is nothing new to you. Of all managers in the Premier League, you’re used to every weekday and weekend? For me, it’s not a problem. We found out we had some physical numbers that we looked at from the 2019-20 to 2020-21 season, and our physical stats were higher last season. For me,…
Two Boxing Day games have been cancelled today. What are your thoughts? My thoughts are that it’s no surprise, we’re in an ongoing pandemic. We see a rise in cases across Europe and the world so I guess it’s a part of it. As I said many times to be clear, if they have too…
Brentford have reported their squad is now Covid-free, five days from their trip to the Amex.
Their recent league games versus Manchester United and Southampton were both called off due to Covid in the camp and boss Thomas Frank says the break has paid off.
He said: “It helped us massively to break the circuit of transmission of the virus.
“So from six or seven cases on Thursday, to Saturday we only had one, zero on Monday and zero today. So we are definitely in a fine place.”
Frank says he was not surprised that the decision was taken to carry on playing, despite the rise in cases.
He added: “No, because what I suggested was just one round, to break that circuit, clean the training ground, limit the contact between players and staff.
BRIGHTON HAPPY TO PLAY ON IN PREMIER LEAGUE
“I think we all want to carry on the with football.”
Star striker Ivan Toney is set to return to the Brentford squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final visit of Chelsea tomorrow.
How many players are available for tomorrow’s game against Chelsea? Enough! We will put 11 players out there tomorrow. We are in a fine place, I guess there will come a few questions about the Covid situation so I can probably start there. We thought it was a good idea to postpone the weekend’s fixtures,…