As Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side took to the Etihad Stadium to face off against Thomas Frank’s Brentford, few would have predicted the level of drama that was to unfold. The match saw the Bees take just 23 seconds to score, only for City to come back strong and claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory. In the aftermath of the match, Guardiola praised Frank and his team, stating that it was only a matter of time before the Brentford manager landed a major European job.
The Resurgence of Brentford and Thomas Frank
Brentford’s recent form has been nothing short of impressive, with the West London club causing problems for some of the biggest teams in the Premier League. Frank, who took over as the club’s assistant head coach in 2016 and become the first team manager in 2018, has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence, turning them into an outfit that can rival the top-tier clubs in the country.
Guardiola’s praise for Frank and his side is no surprise given their impressive performances in recent times. The City boss stated, “They are an extraordinary team. What they do always makes sense.“ According to Guardiola, Brentford’s tactical approach, which involves a high-pressing game and a solid defensive setup, has been a key factor in their success.
Frank’s ability to adapt his team’s setup to suit specific opponents has been a hallmark of their success in recent times. The Bees have shown that they can genuinely compete with the top teams, giving City a major scare in the process. Despite the defeat, Brentford can take pride in their performance, which left many in the footballing world impressed.
Brentford’s Missed Chances and City’s Comeback
Brentford began the match on the front foot, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score within 23 seconds. However, they failed to capitalize on several other chances that they created, ultimately allowing City to gain a foothold in the match.
The turning point came when Erling Haaland scored two goals before half-time, giving City a crucial 2-1 lead. Despite a late push from Brentford, City held on to claim victory.
Haaland’s Impact on City
Haaland’s introduction into the starting lineup has been a significant factor in City’s recent success. The former Borussia Dortmund striker has brought an added dimension to City’s attacking setup, allowing them to threaten opponents on multiple fronts.
Guardiola praised Haaland’s contribution to the match, stating, “He was the differentiator in the game.” According to the City boss, Haaland’s performance has been vital in maintaining City’s title charge.
Man City’s Path Forward
As City continues their pursuit of title glory, Guardiola and his side will be aware that they need to maintain consistency in their performances. With the domestic season still in its early stages, City will need to navigate several challenges if they are to successfully defend their title.
Frank’s Future and the European Job Market
Frank’s excellent performance as Brentford manager has raised questions about his future, with many speculating that he will make the move to one of Europe’s top clubs in the near future. Guardiola believes that Frank has the potential to manage a top-tier team, stating, “Thomas is one of the best, and it’s just a question of time.”
Frank’s impressive managerial record, coupled with his adaptation to the demands of the Premier League, has turned him into an attractive prospect for many of Europe’s top clubs. Whether he will stay at Brentford or make the move to one of the continent’s biggest clubs remains to be seen.
Manchester United’s Near Miss
Frank has been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United in recent times. As the Old Trafford club considered their managerial options, Frank was heavily tipped to take the reins. However, United ultimately decided to stick with Erik ten Hag.
What Next for Thomas Frank?
Frank continues to keep his cards close to his chest as far as his future plans are concerned. While he expressed gratitude for Guardiola’s comments, he refused to comment on speculation surrounding a potential move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
As quoted from Wikipedia, a football manager needs to possess a set of skills to succeed in the industry. Frank appears to have that, given the kind of attention that he has been getting from Europe’s top clubs.
Thomas Frank might not be one of the most decorated managers in the top tier but the presence of a tactician like former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola praising his efforts to set the news across to world football, clearly indicates that his performance hasn’t gone unnoticed on one stage far and wide reaching football audiences.