In an interview for Saturday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com, Claus Norgaard discusses his route into coaching, 16-year association with Thomas Frank, and responsibilities at Brentford.
Norgaard was brought to the club after former assistant head coach Brian Riemer departed to become boss at Belgium side Anderlecht in December.
“In general, it’s been very easy going,” he says. “It’s been a really easy staff and player group to get into - we have a good culture, a good environment.
“It actually surprised me how easy it was to step into a club like this.”
Riemer generally looked after the Bees’ defensive play, which appears to be a similar to position to the one that Norgaard has taken up, but what are his main tasks on a day-to-day basis?
"I'm in pretty much the same role as Brian,” he explains. “Me and Kevin [O'Connor] are more in charge of the defensive work, defensive set-pieces; Justin [Cochrane] and Thomas are more aware of the offensive part.
“And then we of course have Bernardo [Cueva] on the offensive set-pieces, which is a very important role as well.
“But it's not like I only have the defensive side and then the other guys don't look at that - Thomas has his hands on everything.
“It’s not like we are just sitting in each corner of the room! We are together, everybody is bringing ideas. If Justin has something on the defensive side, he’ll bring it to the table, and we’ll discuss it.
“But in the training and in the video talks and in the meetings, I'm responsible for making sure all the details are how we want them, and the focus is how we want it.
“In general, as a person, I'm a little bit more defensive-minded than Thomas is.
“So, if we have a drill on the pitch and we play nine v nine, me and Kevin are more focused on the defensive side and Justin and Thomas are more on the offensive side.”
Also included in your Brentford v Aston Villa match programme
Thomas Frank’s thoughts
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
The Athletic's Gregg Evans discusses Villa’s five-game winning streak, Unai Emery’s impact since his appointment in October, and in-form Ollie Watkins’ return to TW8 in Hot off the Press
Our next King of the Castle is goalkeeper Len Bond, who played 130 games for the club from 1977 to 1980. Bond was part of the side that won promotion to the Third Division in 1977/78 and was named Players’ Player of the Year the following campaign.
The Nathan Caton Column
It’s been another positive campaign for B-team midfielder Roy Syla. Now 22, he’s been a key member of Neil MacFarlane’s side over the course of the campaign as they’ve claimed many impressive results. Ben Strange sat down with Syla to reflect on the season so far
Brentford Women’s 4-1 victory over Richmond Park, in front of a record-breaking 1,124 crowd at Bedfont Sports Club, is the focus of our latest gallery
Printed locally using sustainable materials, this 100-page issue is available online and around the Gtech Community Stadium for £4.
Available inside and outside the ground – as well as from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore – our sellers will be accepting contactless payments only.
Sales locations
Bees Superstore and Bees Merchandise Kiosk (Lionel Road South)
Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
Outside Bees Superstore (outside magnet)
2x outside the box office (outside entrance B)
End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium
Merchandise kiosks (west, north, east stands and family section)
Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).