Frank on Thiago return, European 'dream' and being 'selling club'
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Ipswich Town (kick-off 15:00 BST).Here are the key lines from his news conference:Frank confirmed that "everyone who was ready for Manchester United is available again", including Igor Thiago who they were "pleased" to get back out on the pitch.On the forward's return: "Igor is over the worst part and getting into training - now it's just about giving him the right load like with any player, whether it's a joint infection, hamstring or an ankle. Now he just needs to be fit enough to compete. We pushed him a bit hard to be available for the squad because we needed him. He will not start, but he had a good week of training this week."On Aaron Hickey's fitness after featuring for the under-21s on Monday: "He is getting closer. He's short of being in the next squad but hopefully he can be involved in one of the last two games. Let's see. It's about building him correctly."Frank would like to keep Bryan Mbeumo as he wants "the best players to stay at the club", but acknowledged that Brentford are "a selling club". However, he said other clubs will need "a lot of money" to buy a player like him or fellow attacker Yoane Wissa.On the race for European positions: "It is a unique group of players. They are a driven and ambitious group but we all need a little extra help sometimes. To qualify for Europe is not in our hands. There are other factors that need to fall into place. We hope and we dream, but if we finish in the top 10, it would be a remarkable achievement."On being an established Premier League side and no longer just a "bus stop in Hounslow": "In our heart we may still be a bus stop in Hounslow, but we always need to remember that and have that inside of us because that keeps us grounded and humble. We always dream and want more, but always remember who we are."The Brentford boss sees the trip to Portman Road "as potentially the most difficult of the three" remaining matches as Ipswich "have been competitive in every game". Frank knows his side "need to be absolutely up for it" but is confident they will be ready.Follow the rest of the day's football news on our live page
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