Brentford Head Coach, Thomas Frank has iterated that his players must improve their “defensive” play this season.
Frank’s Bees blew the lead three times to eventually draw 4-4 against VfL Wolfsburg, in which Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa had put them ahead inside 20 minutes only for Patrick Wimmer and Maxence Lacroix to pull Wolfsburg level at half-time.
Matias Jensen and Kevin Schade then put Brentford back in front either side of Maximilian Arnold’s goal, only for Wimmer to rescue a draw for the German club with a 85th minute effort.
Frank consequently felt that despite their progress going forward last night (9 August), there is still work to be done defensively ahead of their Premier League opener against London rivals, Crystal Palace on Sunday 18 August at 2pm BST.
“We were very positive going forward, very exciting going forward – that’s a big plus.
“Obviously we can also see what we need to work on for the next nine days before we face Crystal Palace: defensive set-pieces, that is clear, it’s normally we’re normally very good at.”
Frank however was relieved that these issues flared up in their final pre-season friendly rather than once their season commenced.
“But it’s nice that the red flag came today and we’ve got the opportunity to sort it out before Sunday.”
Brentford were boosted by the return of striker, Ivan Toney following his extended break, due to his involvement in England’s run to UEFA Euro 2024 Final – where the Three Lions lost to Spain.
With new signing, Igor Thiago sidelined with a meniscus injury, Frank is pleased to have Toney available, amidst on-going speculation over his future with his contract set to expire next summer.
“It was very good to have him back, very good. I thought he looked sharp, seeing as he was out for three weeks. He looked good.”
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