Delighted Frank wants Brentford ‘fortress’
A delighted Thomas Frank spoke of the desire to create a “fortress” at the Brentford Community Stadium after his side enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town.
Goals from Josh Dasilva, substitute Marcus Forss and Bryan Mbeumo, all in the second half, gave the Bees three points in a game which they largely dominated.
Dasilva opened the account in the 57th minute, with the midfielder taking the accolade of being the first Brentford goal scorer in the Championship at their new home.
Frank now hopes this can provide the springboard for another positive season.
“I am of course very pleased as we need to create a fortress at our new stadium,” said the Brentford head coach.
“I thought this morning during my run in Richmond Park, if we can create this kind of feeling at the moment with no fans.
“Now we’ve got the first win and that’s very good. I was very pleased with two things in particular – one was the pressure.
“From the first second we were intense so we developed good pressure. On top of that I was pleased with the duels.
“We were the strongest and were winning the ball. We want to play nice football but you have to win the 50-50s too.”
Bees duo Rico Henry and Mbeumo were the standout performers against the Terriers.
“I thought he (Henry) was superb today,” Frank said.
“Defensively, he showed he was the best full-back in the league last season.
“He’s so aggressive and must be so irritating to play against. What we want for him to develop in his game is that composure on the ball. He had that today and his assist for the first goal was outstanding.
“That goal (from Mbeumo) was pure quality, a drop of the shoulder, a cut in and a bang. I have big expectations for him this season.”
Meanwhile, Frank admitted he left out Said Benrahma because of uncertainty over the future of the Algerian winger, in the aftermath of Ollie Watkins transfer to Aston Villa.
He said: “We’ve lost two wheels of the BMW. He (Benrahma) has been training like a beast with a top attitude this week, but I decided not to include him today as his head wasn’t right.”
20/09/2020 @ 9:41 am
I’ve been following the Benrahma saga and I find it unfortunate that Brentford are standing in the way of a player who wants to pursue his dream of playing in the EPL. Benrahma was bought from Nice for less than 3 million and he has given Brentford his all during 2 years, being an outstanding player both in play and attitude on and off the field. Brentford are not willing to part with the player contrary to what they say. They put a high transfer fee on his head (30 million), knowing that EPL clubs, during these uncertain Covid-19 times, are not going to take a risk on a Championship player who hasn’t been tested in the EPL yet. Roy Hodgson has said it in his interview: ”Our move for Benahma is dependent on his price”. This shows the hypocrisy of the Brentford hierarchy. They are holding the player hostage until the transfer window closes and he remains a Brentford player. This is utterly disgusting and downright rude, with no regard for a player who has always done the best for this club and who keeps quiet, not giving interviews to the press or using the social media to vent his frustrations and denounce the hypocrisiy and greed of Brentford. In this, Benrahma is showing a dignified attitude but Brentford are showing that they are a small club and I am almost glad they didn’t win promotion to the EPL.
20/09/2020 @ 9:21 am
Agree with TF here.
19/09/2020 @ 10:55 pm
“…..His head wasn’t right….” utter garbage from Thomas Frank regarding Benrahma. He’s a professional footballer, contracted to Brentford and earns 000’s a week and his head isn’t right! What a joke, he should be made to play without question! A lot of people would kill to be in his fortunate position.