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 Mahrez and Julian Alvarez all started in the capital.
Three points on Sunday means Brentford are the only team to complete a league double over treble-chasing City. In the final game before the World Cup break, Frank’s side stunned City at the Etihad by winning 2-1, leading many to predict the league was Arsenal’s for the taking.
Guardiola and his side rallied to clinch a third straight Premier League title but still came unstuck against Brentford on the final day. Speaking post-match, Bees boss Frank highlighted the significance of their achievement.
Thomas Frank said: “That’s a nice fairytale (beating City twice). I think it’s a very good narrative for us, of course. The big win was at the Etihad – a very big win. Today, they still put a very strong team out and three of the biggest talents in Europe. A lot of other teams have faced that team and lost. We still managed to beat them (and it was) well deserved. It sums up a fantastic season for us. Where we’ve come from, the journey we are on… it’s fantastic. Hopefully, we come back even stronger next year.”
A ninth-place finish is the highest Brentford have achieved in their 133-year history. Just 14 years ago, the club were promoted from League Two, and Frank vowed to carry on pushing forward.
Thomas Frank added: “I’m so proud (to guide Brentford to ninth place). To be part of this with Matthew Benham, a fantastic owner, fantastic staff members and players, that’s unique. We are very ambitious. We want to add layers and build. We will keep going.”
