Thomas Frank Discusses Brentford’s Future and Upcoming Fulham Derby

Brentford manager Thomas Frank addressed the media in advance of Monday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the key takeaways from his press conference: Regarding player availability, defender Kristoffer Ajer “is progressing well,” and midfielder Christian Norgaard “is fit and firing for Monday,” having been rested during the Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the week. Addressing questions about being linked to the Manchester United and Chelsea managerial roles over the summer, Frank stated: “I have said many times I am happy here in Brentford. I love it. I feel a responsibility to the fans, the players, the staff. I am extremely dedicated to do everything I can for this lovely club. I don’t speak about what-ifs or maybes, what will happen in the future with me, I don’t know. Maybe I am staying here for a long, long time. Who knows?” He characterized Brentford as “one of the best clubs in the world,” asserting that “very few clubs who are better with everything.” On the subject of facing Fulham, he remarked: “It’s a local derby and, in recent years, it has been very tight between the two teams – we have had some fantastic games against each other. Now, we’re going to play Monday night, under the floodlights, Craven Cottage – a historic stadium – we’re bringing 3,000 fans, and we’ll do everything we can for them to get the win. I’m really looking forward to it.” He further added: “We’re facing a very good opponent. Fulham have done very well over the last few years, I think Marco Silva and his coaching staff have done a top job in the way they have built them. They have started this season flying and they have probably deserved more points than they’ve got so far.”