Thomas Frank Discusses Newcastle Match, Squad Availability, and Fixture Congestion

Thomas Frank, manager of Brentford, addressed the media in advance of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle, scheduled for a 19:45 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Regarding team updates, Frank stated that “everyone is available from the Chelsea game.” He added that Thiago “has trained and it’s positive – I’ll make an assessment on Wednesday.” Additionally, Paris Maghoma, who had a minor injury, “is ready again.” Frank affirmed that Brentford “will be absolutely on it” and reaffirmed his intention to deploy a “really, really strong team,” even though the club is scheduled to play three matches within a seven-day period. Addressing the fixture schedule, he remarked: “Us and Crystal Palace are the only teams in the quarter finals that have to play three games in six days, the other six teams, the bigger clubs – are playing in eight or nine days, which might be a coincidence? Maybe the EFL or Premier League can answer that.” He further mentioned that the club attempted to reschedule Saturday’s home game against Nottingham Forest to Sunday, “but they were not willing to help with the short turnaround – it is what it is.” Frank conceded that Newcastle “are the favourites, but we fancy ourselves.” He also noted that Newcastle possesses “top players and are well-coached – I’m pretty sure we’ll know what they’ll come with, and I’m also pretty sure Eddie and his team will know what we’ll come with.” Following their 4-2 victory over the Magpies less than two weeks prior, he stated that tomorrow’s match “will be completely different. We will face a team that will come flying out for a late kick-off under the lights. They will take no prisoners and will go after us – but we are ready.” Regarding the decisive factors for the game, he commented: “I’m convinced we’ll score – it’s just if we’re good enough defensively.”