Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Carabao Cup last-16 game against Sheffield Wednesday (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Frank confirmed “everyone is available from the Ipswich game” for Tuesday’s cup tie.
Following the sacking of fellow Premier League manager Erik ten Hag, the Bees boss said he does “feel” for the Dutchman as there are “massive expectations” at Manchester United but there needs to be a “reality check” on those with the teams currently at the top of the Premier League.
On if he would welcome the chance to talk to United about the vacant role: “It is a very delicate question. I have a big responsibility to Brentford, the fans, leadership, players, staff and one focus is to do the very best in the Carabao Cup. I have said many times I am very happy here, it is one of the best clubs in the world. What happens in the future? Who knows, but I am very, very happy here.”
On if there are jobs in English and world football that you cannot turn down the opportunity: “That is a hypothetical question. I always try to be as transparent as possible. I am very happy here, I can see myself being here for a long time in the future. If something came up that was an opportunity I would like to try then OK, let’s see, but right now I am very happy.”
Frank wants to just “focus” on the Sheffield Wednesday match and insisted their approach will be “very strong and we will take this very seriously”.
He added: “I don’t know if you’ll be surprised, but maybe you will when you see the line-up we put out there tomorrow. It will be a very strong team. We’ve got big respect for the competition, we’ve got big respect for Sheffield Wednesday.”
He is expecting a “difficult game” because the Owls are “very good on the counter” and “have great physicality”.
