There’s no hiding Thomas Frank’s ‘no d***heads’ policy. However, it continues to be the key to Brentford’s longevity and prosperity.
Bees midfielder Vitaly Janelt says of the group, “There is no arrogance, it’s one tight group.” “Everyone is at ease here; it feels like a family.” We are where we are because it feels like fun rather than like you are going to work.
“Our environment, our culture, and the team as a whole are all together. It’s not like five people here, five people there. Even though we have small ethnic groups like our English and Scandinavian players, everyone is still a part of the global community.”
a fatherly figure Frank’s ability to lead by example has helped him establish a solid reputation as a master of man-management, and his focus on tactical details has helped Brentford advance after being promoted in 2021. Since sealing their promotion to the Premier League, the Bees have never once felt truly threatened by the possibility of being relegated.
humble and sensible professional Janelt, the inspirational leader on his side, is adamant that Frank should get the credit, saying, “The boss helps us maintain concentration.” Every time, he tells us to prove to him why we must play. A player will be informed of his decision to sit out five games and given instructions on how to stay in shape.
“Some players wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise due to the numerous injuries we’ve had, but Yegor Yarmolyuk, for instance, has excelled. We always knew he had potential, and he demonstrated it in training, but in my opinion, he wouldn’t have been given the opportunity so soon if everyone had been prepared.
“Thomas can adjust the game plan to suit any team he plays against and excels at the little things off the pitch. Even if you don’t want to talk about football, he’s always available to you and isn’t conceited.”
After losing Bryan Mbeumo to ankle surgery, Brentford appeared doomed to struggle without important talisman Ivan Toney. However, the Bees, who are currently sitting pretty in mid-table, are now enjoying his return to action in mid-January. It is also anticipated that Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations the following month.
Regarding Toney, Janelt remarked, “His return is going to be really important.” He plays a major role in how we play. We miss someone who can cleverly win us fouls while holding the ball when we have to play for extended periods of time. He’s very skilled at it.
“We can’t wait for him to return. The only striker we’ll have if Wissa leaves is Neal Maupay. We currently only have Keane Lewis-Potter playing on the wing for Wissa due to Kevin Schade’s injury. There will be chances to sign some new players in January, and the team will handle that.”
This season, the Bees have suffered a number of well-publicized injuries. They may be missing up to nine stars for their visit from Aston Villa on Sunday, but the crisis has gone unnoticed as they continue to conduct Premier League business in a low key.
Janelt went on, “It’s not even for us alone. Pascal Gross and I had a talk following the Brighton match. He made a wild statement, naming the entire roster of their club’s injured players and predicting that team would place in the top 10 of the Premier League. They require a larger squad than us because they play in Europe, but I could name about eight or nine players who would have made up their starting XI.
Here, it’s comparable. A few weeks ago, I spoke with someone again, and he informed me that there has been a roughly 60% rise in hamstring injuries this season compared to last. I think that’s absurd. The World Cup was postponed last year, and the Euros are taking place in the summer, so there will be more international matches. This significantly alters the landscape. There are more away games and flights.”
Unsung hero Janelt has been Brentford’s lone constant despite their ongoing fitness problems; he has started every single game (18) in every competition and has further revealed his incredible personal fitness regimen that has him playing at full capacity.
The German, 25, went on, “We’re old enough to take care of our bodies.” “Regardless of whether I’m hurt or not, I see my own doctor once a week. It has been my habit for almost five years. I really rely on him because we are so close. I then take care of the food, beverages, ice baths, and sauna. Although they are all little things, they make up the additional 5% that the public is blind to. It has a significant impact.”
The next team to play is Aston Villa, who have won nothing in their previous five trips to Brentford, where they last triumphed in 2017. Although Janelt acknowledges their incredible growth under Unai Emery, he intends to exploit their strong defensive line.
“Emery has been there for a year now,” he said in closing. They take great chances with their high line, but it pays off. Now, their gap to the top is only a few points. We must exercise caution, but everyone is aware of how difficult it is for teams to play us away from home. Teams are reluctant to play us for the first or second time this season. Although they respect us and the way we play, they don’t fear us.”
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