Keith Andrews has explained the mentality Brentford want from their players as the Bees look to build on an impressive start to the season.
Keith Andrews has underlined that talent alone will not be enough for anyone hoping to make the grade at Brentford. Hunger and a drive to keep getting better are at the heart of the squad he is trying to shape through his second season at the helm.
Brentford could hardly have asked for a better start. A 3-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League was followed by a 6-1 demolition of Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup.
It’s a great start for the Bees but far too early to say those results will define their season.
Beneath the strong start, though, is a squad that looks deeper than last year’s. Another summer of smart recruitment has brought in new qualities, whilst managing to hold onto the core squad
For Andrews, what matters just as much as ability is the mentality of those coming in.
“It’s really important to attract hungry players and bring hungry players into your environment,” Andrews said.
“Anybody that feels they are at their destination isn’t for us. We have to have that platform where we want to try and achieve things.”
Andrews Wants Brentford Players to Keep Pushing
That approach has shaped Brentford’s summer business.
Mamadou Sangaré has come in from Lens and already made his mark. The Mali international is still early in his career and with plenty of room to grow. Jannik Schuster brings youth to the back line, while Jaidon Anthony gets another shot at making his mark in the Premier League.
Callum Wilson offers something different again. Andrews has already highlighted the striker’s professionalism and the influence he is having behind the scenes.
Andrews has been clear that Brentford are not interested in players who see the club as just a comfortable Premier League stop. They have to be aiming for more, and the same goes for the players already at the club before the window.
The Bees finished ninth last season, staying in the European conversation right up to the final day. Now they have kicked off the new campaign with nine goals in their first two games. Andrews is happy for everyone around the club to enjoy it. He just does not want enjoyment to be mistaken for satisfaction.
“Nobody is getting carried away, it has been one league game and one cup game, but it is really important that people enjoy when we have good results, especially fans,” he said.
“We can have a smile on our face when we are not training or working.”
Andrews seems determined to keep that balance.
Brentford should enjoy putting three past Tottenham and hitting Birmingham for six, especially after the effort that went into preparing the squad for the new season. But they can’t allow themselves to get carried away.
Leeds Give Brentford an Early Reality Check
Sunday’s trip to Elland Road will be a good test of that mentality.
Leeds have also made a strong start themselves, and Andrews expects this game to have far more edge than either of Brentford’s first two outings.
“It’ll be very competitive,” he said.
“There will be a real edge to the game given the way the two teams play. They can play in different ways and can cause you a lot of problems. I envisage a proper game of football on Sunday.”
The win over Spurs was convincing, but Sunday’s trip to Elland Road offers the Bees an early chance to show it was more than just a strong opening-day performance.
The results so far have given Andrews and his players plenty to smile about. But Leeds United will be the real test as to whether those results were more than one-offs in each competition.
