FROM GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM – Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has opened up on the secrets of toppling Manchester City.
The Bees beat the Premier League champions 1-0 on the final day of the season to ensure they were the only team to do the double over Pep Guardiola’s side this year.
A brace from Ivan Toney saw Brentford win 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in November, while a goal from Ethan Pinnock settled the scores on Sunday.
Guardiola spoke highly of Frank and Brentford’s set-piece proficiency in his post-match press conference.
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“Last season, we won twice against Brentford…today we lost 1-0. They are so difficult to break down. They are an incredible and top side in both sides – the high pressing, defending deep, the solidarity they have, the transitions are fast,” he said.
“[Goalkeeper David] Raya’s like a holding midfielder, he does whatever he wants.”
Guardiola added: “[Brentford] are the best team by far [at set pieces]. But it’s not just in that concept. It’s an exceptional team. I have a lot of admiration for Thomas Frank and what he’s been doing for many years. He’s getting better. You have the feeling he has the unity of this club.”
Man City will now round off the season with an FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter.
In his own press conference, Frank was asked what advice he would give to Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and Inter’s Simone Inzaghi on how to conquer this formidable Man City side.
“That’s a really good question. You’ve thought about that, that’s really good!” Frank laughed.
“I think we top-performed in two games. It is very clear this is the best offensive team in the world so you need to defend very well. We managed to defend very well but not only in the low block, I think you could see today we were brave with high pressure throughout the game. I think that’s a big thing. I think if you only defend with a low block, you will struggle.
“That braveness, which I love about my team, I love that. Set pieces are also pretty important.”
