Injury woes have plagued Brentford’s season so far but Thomas Frank knows they are a threat to any side in the league as they look to end their poor run against an in-form Aston Villa.
Frank has been happy with the consistently good performances over the season so far, barring a couple poor halves, and thinks they have the potential to surge up the table.
In a press conference on Friday, Thomas Frank said, “We all have that bounce-back mentality after a disappointing result. We played badly in the second half. That happens in football. It will probably happen again. Hopefully, not on Sunday. So it’s how we react to these situations.
“It’s just improving our level to be more consistent over 90 minutes compared to the last two games.
“What we have done very well this season is that we have had consistently good performances and that’s why we haven’t dropped too low [in the table] over the last five years.”
With a starting 11 on the sidelines, injuries have also been an issue for the West London side, but the B team has been important in developing prospects to supply the team.
Frank said, “I think Michael Olakigbe is a very good example. He just extended his contract, which was well deserved. He’s trained with the first team since the summer. Yes, there have been some injuries, but it’s down to him doing well.
“The academy does a good job in terms of getting them ready. And then, of course, we clearly need some players ready on the bench to help us.”
After mentioning he may be fit last week, Frank confirmed that Mathias Jensen is unavailable for selection and may not be back until the new year, but defender Nathan Collins is set to return.
The Brentford boss also mentioned his respect for Unai Emery and knows Villa will be a tough side to beat, especially with their current form after beating Arsenal and Manchester City last week.
“What I like about him [Emery] is that he always tries to develop. So for example, his high line is not something I’ve seen from his sides before, so I like that. I like that he is constantly a student of the game and wants to develop things. So obviously, a top manager.”
The game will also see the return of former Bees striker Ollie Watkins to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Frank said, “Ollie has two major abilities that allow him to perform at this level. One of them is working unbelievably hard on the pitch and also in the gym. And two, he wants to learn. Those two abilities are crucial.
“Then he’s got a pretty good package in terms of physicality, pace, technique, and game understanding.”
When asked about their plan for stopping Watkins, Frank joked, “I’m not allowed to say, ‘Just kick him down, am I?”
He continued: “We are aware of his strengths and those we need to close down. He is constantly going.
“I think his late equaliser against Bournemouth was a good example. You think you almost kept him quiet and then he just pops up with a great header and then a goal but we hope we can keep him quiet.”
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