Guardiola praises fellow coach: 'It's only a matter of time before a top club comes calling'

Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday may have been hard-fought, but for Pep Guardiola, the match also presented an opportunity to heap praise on Thomas Frank, Brentford’s head coach.

Despite the result, Guardiola's admiration for his counterpart was evident, highlighting the immense respect he holds for Frank’s work over the years.

“Brentford is an extraordinary team,” Guardiola remarked post-match. “What they do always makes sense. Every corner they take gives us a headache; they are compact, organized, and this season, they are playing with high pressure. Thomas is one of the best coaches out there. It’s only a matter of time before a top club comes for him. I’m good at a few things, and one of them is reading managers it’s going to happen.”

Guardiola’s comments reflect the growing recognition of Thomas Frank as a top managerial talent, particularly for his ability to maximize Brentford’s potential in the highly competitive Premier League. Under Frank’s guidance, Brentford has gone from being a Championship team to one capable of troubling some of the biggest clubs in English football. Known for their well-drilled defense and set-piece proficiency, Brentford’s disciplined approach has become a hallmark of Frank’s leadership, making them a tough opponent for even the best teams in the league.

Frank, who was later asked about Guardiola's compliments, responded graciously: “First of all, thank you for that. There are many reasons why I admire Pep. He always shows class, and he did that when we beat them here the last time, almost fifty matches ago. I’m very happy at Brentford, but maybe one day I’ll try something new.”

Despite his humble demeanor, Frank's achievements with Brentford have been significant. When he took over in 2018, the team was mid-table in the Championship. Through a combination of smart recruitment, tactical evolution, and player development, he transformed the club. The pinnacle of his tenure so far came in the 2020/21 season, when Brentford earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time in its history. Under Frank’s stewardship, Brentford has not only survived but thrived in the top tier, regularly punching above their weight and establishing themselves as a formidable side.

Before joining Brentford, Frank started his coaching career in Denmark, leading Bröndby IF from 2013 to 2016. His move to Brentford initially saw him serve as assistant manager, but he quickly took the reins and hasn’t looked back since. The Danish coach is now considered one of the most promising managers in European football, with his name often linked to bigger clubs seeking someone with a modern, dynamic approach to the game.

As Guardiola pointed out, it may only be a matter of time before Frank is snapped up by a top club, especially as his reputation continues to grow both domestically and abroad. Yet, for now, Frank remains focused on his work at Brentford, where he continues to build on his successes, balancing ambition with a clear dedication to the club’s vision.

As the Premier League progresses, all eyes will be on how Frank continues to develop Brentford and whether Guardiola’s prediction of a top club coming for him will soon materialize. In the meantime, Frank’s commitment to Brentford remains steadfast, as he seeks to solidify the club’s place among England’s football elite.