In a press conference following Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, manager Thomas Frank expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance. The Bees showed resilience against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, rebounding from a lackluster showing against West Ham earlier in the week. Despite his overall contentment, Frank did not shy away from addressing a minority of fans who received criticism for their behavior.
“I think overall we played to get three points. It was a relatively even game in terms of chances but I’m very pleased with the performance and response from the players.
“I asked for a bounceback mentality after the bad performance against West Ham. It’s very rare we don’t put a shift in it, it wasn’t top on Monday night. Today, impressive.”
Here are seven key takeaways from the manager’s post-match remarks.
On Nicolas Jackson goal and first half performance
“We needed to be a lot quicker out, close it down and we need to do better in the cross. That was actually the only chance they had in the first half – Jackson was offside [for his 1 vs 1].
Frank on starting Yoane Wissa over Neal Maupay
“I think we need everyone. I said to Neal before, I completely understand if it feels a little bit unfair that he is not picked because he works unbelievably hard for the team and has scored a lot of goals.
“I think Wissa is maybe more of a runner and can carrier the ball. Neal’s link-up play and hold-up play and pressing is maybe a little bit different. It’s two good players.”
On a minority of Brentford supporters booing at half-time
“I thought that as well [that he heard it]. Is that true? I’d like to personally speak to the one who boos. Is that support? Brentford vs Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are down 1-0. I know I can’t swear but what the…”
Frank demands more from Brentford faithful
“We can’t do without [the support]. I will fight, the staff will fight and the players will fight. We need them as well and not only when it’s going the right way. When it’s not going well we need them even more, after the 2-2, I understand we were nervy, it was very quiet.”
Chelsea playing three centre-backs against Brentford
“They played a back three in the first four games of the season then 21 games in a row they played a back four. They had all the players available and changed it for us. Do they fear us? Do they think we’re good? I don’t know. It’s interesting so we must do something well.”
Frank on why Chelsea played long from the back
“Of course. We are the best high pressing team in the league.”