Kevin Schade says Brentford still have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe, but only if they cut out the mistakes that have cost them late in games.
Kevin Schade believes Brentford still have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe, but the winger has made clear that their final push will depend on correcting the mistakes that have already cost them valuable points.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Germany, Schade said Brentford’s position in the table is not accidental and insisted the club have been around the European places for much of the season. “It is all still open upwards and downwards,” he said. “But we definitely have a realistic chance. It’s not as if we’ve only just arrived there. We’ve pretty much been up there for most of the season.” Schade’s view is that Brentford have earned their place in the race, but now need to finish the job over the final stretch.
He then moved on to the detail of why Brentford have not turned their position into something stronger. Rather than blaming form in general terms, he pointed to specific moments within games where the side has let control slip.
“Right now, it’s the smallest mistakes that get punished,” Schade told Sky Germany. He used the recent 2-2 draw with Everton as the clearest example, pointing to the late equaliser Brentford conceded after taking the lead. In his view, the issue is not simply bad luck or tiredness, but how the team manage games once they go in front.
“We have to play smarter,” he said. “When we take the lead, we can’t abandon our playing idea, because then we only want to defend and let the opponent come onto us.”
Schade’s assessment was clear. Brentford still believe Europe is possible, but they cannot afford to become passive when protecting leads. His comments point to a side that understands where recent points have been lost and what needs to change if they are to stay in the race.
Brentford’s recent run has kept them competitive without pushing them clear of the chasing pack. The draws have shown how difficult they are to beat, but they have also left points on the table at a time when the margins around the European places are tight.
Schade did not pretend the run-in would be simple, especially with difficult fixtures still to come. But his overall message remained positive. Brentford are still in the fight. The next step is to manage decisive moments better and turn competitive performances into wins.
Brentford now have an immediate chance to show that response, with a trip to Old Trafford next on the schedule. They beat Manchester United 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium earlier this season, but the return fixture carries pressure for both sides. United need two more wins to confirm Champions League football for next season, while Brentford need three points to remain competitive in the race for the remaining European places. That makes Schade’s point about game management particularly relevant. If Brentford get themselves into a strong position again, they cannot afford to let it slip.