Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has declared his side can compete with any team in the Premier League as they chase a historic first European qualification, while making clear he has little interest in the title race narrative surrounding their upcoming opponents.
The Bees travel to face Manchester City on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports, with Arsenal supporters hoping Brentford can deliver a result that damages City's title hopes. However, Andrews insists his focus remains firmly on Brentford's own ambitions rather than playing a supporting role in the championship battle.
"I obviously know the effect that it can have, the result whichever way it goes, but we've got our own agenda to take care of," Andrews explained. The head coach emphasized that pursuing a first-ever European spot for the club is what truly motivates him and his players heading into the final stretch of the season.
Andrews expressed genuine admiration for the way his team has developed, highlighting their fearless approach against top opposition. "The edge that we play with I really, really like," he said. "We're a team that respects the opposition, respects the level, but equally we have this feel of we will go toe-to-toe with any team in the league."
The Brentford boss praised his squad's energy and personality, noting they are in a strong run of form with key players returning to bolster the core group that has performed admirably during a period when the squad depth was tested. The team's understated approach is something Andrews values highly.
"We don't really need to shout things from the rooftop," Andrews noted. "We just like to go about our business in a pretty understated way in a league where we want to be really ambitious and go to places like Man City and show real bravery."
Andrews, who was overseeing set pieces at the club just a year ago, has guided Brentford to the brink of club history despite entering the season as the bookmakers' favorite to be the first Premier League manager sacked. A difficult opening-day loss at Nottingham Forest did little to inspire confidence, but the team has grown steadily stronger throughout the campaign.
With three matches remaining, Brentford find themselves in a position few predicted given the significant changes over the summer. Andrews acknowledged the early uncertainty but believes the journey has brought his side to a point where they can genuinely challenge for European football for the first time in the club's history.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.
