Thomas Frank has raised concerns about fixture scheduling, suggesting that clubs like Arsenal, Spurs, and Liverpool have been given an easier ride in this week’s hectic schedule compared to Brentford.
Ahead of the Bees’ Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Newcastle, Frank pointed out the disparity in turnaround times between matches, claiming Brentford and Crystal Palace face a more demanding schedule than their larger rivals.
FRANK: BEES STUNG BY HECTIC FIXTURES Irish Daily Mirror18 Dec 2024 THOMAS FRANK has questioned why Brentford’s bigger Carabao Cup rivals have been given easier schedules in a hectic week. The Bees go to Newcastle for tonight’s quarter-final to continue a run of three fixtures in seven days that began at Chelsea and ends against Nottingham Forest. Frank (above), who thinks preferential treatment was given to Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool, said: “We and Crystal Palace are the only teams in the quarter-finals that have to play three games in seven 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. “Also, if you look, when we start playing the first game and end playing the next one, we have the shortest turnaround. “We asked if we could move the Forest game to Sunday, but they were not willing to help with the short turnaround. It is what it is. “On Wednesday, we will be absolutely on it. On Saturday, we will also be absolutely on it. I will play a really, really strong team against Newcastle.” Bees striker Igor Thiago will come into contention tonight following injury. Article Name:FRANK: BEES STUNG BY HECTIC FIXTURES Publication:Irish Daily Mirror Start Page:46 End Page:46
Irish Daily Mirror 18 December 2024
“We and Crystal Palace are the only teams in the quarter-finals that have to play three games in seven days,” Frank said. “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.”
Brentford’s fixtures include Chelsea last weekend, Newcastle tonight, and Nottingham Forest on Saturday—a compact stretch Frank feels is unnecessarily gruelling.
While Frank’s frustrations are understandable, the numbers don’t entirely support his argument when Arsenal’s schedule is considered.
Mikel Arteta’s side faces three games in eight days, starting with Everton on 14 December, tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace, and concluding with another meeting against the Eagles on Saturday. For Arsenal, who remain active in European competition unlike Brentford, the margin of difference hardly warrants complaint.
Brentford’s limited fixture list, largely due to their absence from Europe, provides recovery time the other clubs Frank mentions can only dream of. Arsenal’s packed calendar, featuring Premier League, Carabao Cup, and Champions League commitments, leaves little room for respite.
While Frank remains focused on fielding a strong team against Newcastle, his complaints about preferential treatment seem misplaced. Clubs like Arsenal operate under intense fixture congestion almost year-round, often without such allowances.
As Brentford continues their campaign, the reality of managing a busy schedule simply reflects the demands of competitive football at the highest level.
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