Brentford boss Frank: The key stat that convinced my players we could win at Man City

Football
15 Mar 2023 • 7:32 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank admits victory at Manchester City was a special moment this season.

Frank has been nominated for Denmark's Coach of the Year award for 2022.

On winning at City in November, Frank told Bold: "We had an average autumn and finish at the Etihad before the World Cup. And the prelude to the match is a defeat in the Cup against Gillingham. And everyone expects us to lose to a team with Kevin de Bruyne, Grealish, Foden and Haaland. But I tell the players on Thursday that we can win at the Etihad. I show the players some data which shows that we are among the teams that City have the lowest xG on. In other words, they find it difficult to create chances against us.

"On the day of the match, I tell the players that 'I bloody hope Haaland plays. Because when we beat them today, it will be much greater that we have done it against the best players'.

"We play a great game and get ahead, but they equalise at Foden just before the break.

"At half-time I say to the players: 'I know it's 1-1, but I fucking want to win this game! We have the opportunity for that'.

"We score the winning goal in eight minutes of added time, and it's a crazy feeling to go into the World Cup break with. It was really cool.

"That win gave us an extra boost in terms of belief in things and we celebrated it in the dressing room with music and dancing. And a glass of red wine later in the evening. It was extraordinary - and you must remember to celebrate your victories.

"Regardless if you are a player or coach, because it is so difficult to be successful in this world."