“It’s fair to say” – Thomas Frank makes Chelsea claim ahead of Brentford clash
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has claimed Chelsea are under pressure as the two sides prepare to face off on Sunday.
The Blues recorded a vital win against Tottenham on Thursday night to move back into the top four, but have a tough set of fixtures remaining, starting with a trip to the Bees.
Champions League qualification is vital for the Blues and it seems the race involving the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa will go right to the wire.
Frank believes Chelsea are under pressure
Chelsea don’t have the best record at Brentford and have just one win at the Gtech Community Stadium since Frank’s side got promoted.
Brentford currently sit 12th, but do have a good home record and it will be anything but an easy game for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca will be fully aware there’s minimal room for slip-ups at this stage and Frank, who missed out on the Chelsea job last summer feels the Blues are under pressure.
Chelsea will be looking to make it back to back league wins against Brentford. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“I think it’s fair to say they are under pressure,” he said as cited on X.com.
“I’m not trying to play any games here, but they need the Champions League spot, and they need to win against us.”
Frank labelled the Blues as extremely dangerous earlier this season, and whilst he’s not wrong in what he’s saying, he’s clearly trying to put extra pressure on Chelsea.
Maresca, will be without Wesley Fofana with it conformed the Frenchman will miss the rest of the season after undergoing
Romeo Lavia will miss the game, meaning Reece James could once again be deployed in midfield, whilst Moises Caicedo needs to avoid being booked in the next two games if he’s to escape a two match ban at a critical stage of the season.
After Sunday’s game, the Blues face a tough trip to Poland on Thursday in the first leg of their Conference League quarter final.
Champions League football next season is the target, and Malo Gusto knows exactly what Chelsea need to do to achieve it.
The Blues are currently well positioned to finish in a place that will guarantee elite European football in 2025/26. A win at Brentford today will be another step in the right direction.
Despite the bigger picture of the prize on offer, Gusto is focused on the short term. He has explained why that mentality is so important at this pivotal period in the season.
‘Everyone is pushing for the top four and that’s normal,’ said Gusto. ‘Every team in the Premier League is top. It’s important for us to play step by step, game by game, and to not think too much about it.
‘We just have to stay focused on our games, stick to our plan, and to try our best. That’s the way we will finish top four, so we have to keep pushing like that.
‘Our target is to finish in the top four. We are hungry to finish in the top four. We don’t have to hide, just show our best and keep fighting. We will need everyone.’
When it comes to the job at hand, Brentford pose another tricky challenge. Since their elevation to the top flight in 2021 they have regularly caused us problems, although they are yet to beat us at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It is likely to be a close encounter in west London, and Gusto underlined what could prove decisive in ensuring it goes our way.
‘It’s an important game against Brentford and we have to switch on straightaway,’ stressed the 21-year-old.
‘We have to concentrate. And the spirit will be important for the team. We have to keep fighting together and continue creating something between us as a team.’
