Thomas Frank reveals Brentford’s blueprint to stop Erling Haaland
Thomas Frank reveals Brentford’s blueprint to stop Erling Haaland in their shock win at Man City as he claims their game-plan was to close down Kevin de Bruyne and starve the Norwegian forward of service
- Brentford boss Thomas Frank shares how his side stopped Erling Haaland
- The Norwegian drew at blank against Brentford’s backline at the Etihad Stadium
- The Bees shocked Man City by securing a 2-1 win over champions on Saturday
- Ivan Toney scored both goals days after missing out on the World Cup squad
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Thomas Frank offered the blueprint to stopping Erling Haaland after Brentford shocked Manchester City.
Ivan Toney scored twice, including a 98th-minute winner, but Frank lavished praise on his back three for reducing 18-goal Haaland to one shot at the Etihad Stadium.
Frank believes the secret was not focusing on the Norway international, but stopping the supply into him from midfield.
Thomas Frank celebrates Brentford’s shock win over Manchester City at the Etihad stadium
Erling Haaland endured a frustrating afternoon and drew a blank against Brentford in defeat
‘I really hoped they played Haaland because it’s only a really big win if you beat them with Haaland in the line up,’ Frank said.
’We had a gameplan and it definitely succeeded. We tried to be aware of closing down [Kevin] De Bruyne, he had very few balls in dangerous areas.
‘We were very aware of Haaland in the box and I think we only missed him once when he ran past Ben Mee – the whole team did fantastic but especially the three centre backs. Our performance was very impressive.’
Frank’s plan to stop the service from Kevin De Bruyne was a success in the victory on Saturday
Frank labelled the three points – City’s first home defeat in all competitions since losing against Tottenham – as the biggest in Brentford’s history.
‘Maybe this is the single best result in the club’s history,’ Frank added. ’It’s massive. For the fans, I’m so happy we’ve created another unbelievably magic moment for them.
’They had the ball more, more shots, but it was deserved. We are the bus stop in Hounslow against the best team in the world.
‘I know they dominated us. But you sensed there was an opportunity. I’m so thrilled and pleased that we managed it.’
Ivan Toney scored both Brentford goals just days after missing out on the England squad
