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Since securing promotion to the Premier League in 2021, Brentford has established itself as a top-flight side. This is largely because of their manager Thomas Frank. The Dane has led the Bees to 13th, 9th, and 16th-placed finishes since entering the Premier League.
Unlike the new norm of promoted sides opting for a more expansive style of play, however, Frank has stuck to pragmatic principles. The support that the Brentford executives have shown Frank reinforces how well he has done to keep Brentford afloat in the Premier League.
Recruitment, malleable principles of play, and ‘butterfly effect’ tactics are the main factors that have been conducive to Brentford’s consistency in the Premier League.
Pragmatic principles
A clear example of Frank’s pragmatism is how compact Brentford usually is, especially against better opposition. Whether it is a 5-3-2 or a 4-3-3, these formations are always predicated upon narrowness. This is quite a far cry from how dominant and expansive Brentford were in the Championship. Knowing the quality leap, however, Frank had to compromise to avoid falling into the trap of newly promoted sides conceding too frequently.
Frank’s more defensive approach should not be interpreted as cowardice though. Frank makes his Brentford side go man-to-man in the press to force high turnovers quickly. His pressing structure ensures that Brentford is not passive out of possession. Frank knows that physical aggression is needed from his players to hang in the notoriously physical Premier League.
Brentford’s off-ball setup has meant that, first and foremost, Brentford has been frustrating to play against. Emphasizing a strong defensive setup has contributed massively to Brentford’s consistency in the Premier League.
‘Butterfly effect’ tactics
Frank has been very adept at using his side’s aggression to take advantage of how his opponents set up defensively. He has been able to utilize his side’s aggression…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/thomas-franks-brentford-the-epitome-of-pragmatism/
Author : Ian Mahop
Publish date : 2024-10-06 23:04:57
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