Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Wednesday’s Premier League game at home against Arsenal (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Frank confirmed that Christian Norgaard “can play”, while Sepp van den Berg and Matthias Jensen will also be in the squad. However, Ben Mee will be out for “a couple of weeks” with a muscle problem and Mark Flekken will be assessed on Tuesday.
On if injuries mean Bees will need to be active in the January transfer window: “We will assess it. We have got a plan for every scenario that can happen. We will be ready to act if we need to. I have said many time we have a very strong squad when everyone is fit and available. We won’t do anything early, but if it doesn’t improve in the next month then we might need to do something.”
On what he would say to those interested in trying to sign Bryan Mbeumo: “In January? I would say good luck. We love Bryan. He loves playing here. He has had a fantastic season so nothing will happen.”
The Brentford boss still believes that Joao Pedro’s attempted elbow on Yehor Yarmoliuk in their last match should have received a red card, but accepted: “Mistakes happen from the referee and VAR and everyone is very focussed on trying to improve things. Howard Webb and his team want to do everything to improve it so hopefully there will be improvements going forward.”
Frank said it has been a “good year for everyone involved in the club and for every Brentford fan” as they try and “find the balance” between being happy for every year they are in the Premier League but still having “ambitions to do more”.
He therefore sets achievable and incremental targets: “To have layers, to develop the team and club, to play some interesting football, develop players and people and keep moving forward. I think we do that. There have definitely been more ups than downs this year so I am pleased with that.”
On how it would feel to kick-off 2025 with a win over Arsenal: “It would be amazing. That is the aim – to do what we can to try and win the game. We are facing a very good Arsenal team. In a way, they have gone a little under the radar. There has been much talk about Manchester City, [Manchester] United, Liverpool because they are doing fantastic and Chelsea as they have done more than people expected, but I think Arsenal have performed consistently well. A well run machine and team.”
