Brentford Head Coach, Thomas Frank has backed Kevin Schade to fill Yoane Wissa’s role until mid-November 2024.
Wissa is sidelined for two month with an ankle injury suffered in the Bees’ 2-1 loss at Manchester City.
Frank though is confident that Schade can fill Wissa’s role in the intervening period, with the German bringing more pace, pressing intensity and aerial quality.
“Both Kevin and Wissa are good at running in behind; Kevin is obviously quicker.
“Both are good in the air; I think Kevin is a little bit better. Wissa probably links the game a bit better; Kevin is a better pressing player. So there are different pros and cons.”
Schade played the entirety of Brentford’s Carabao Cup win over Leyton Orient, with Frank pleased that he “is in a good place,” even if he isn’t converting his chances to the best of his ability.
“He’s getting into good positions and has been a little bit unlucky.
“He hit the post against Southampton and Bryan [Mbeumo] scored – that was a good action.
“He had a fantastic run with the ball and finish against Leyton Orient, which was saved by the keeper, and then Fábio Carvalho scored with a bicycle kick.
“So, he’s getting into those positions and doing a lot of good stuff for us. I think he can do more but I’m pleased with his progress.”
On the seven injured players, Frank admitted that five players would be starting games this season if match fit, but is relishing this challenging period.
“But it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. It’s a big part of a head coach’s job to find those solutions and make the team as competitive as possible.”
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