With Freiburg on an upward trajectory in the Bundesliga and Mark Flekken an integral part of Christian Streich’s side, what was it that convinced him to leave Germany for the first time in his professional career and join Brentford?
“It’s a new challenge,” he says in an interview for Saturday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com. “I turned 30 in June, and I was in a moment where I had to choose to stay for several years or do something new.
“Brentford had made some really big effort to get me here over the last one and a half years.
“I’d had contact with Manu [Sotelo] and the coach [Thomas Frank]. The whole process of trying to get me here gave me such a good feeling. They were so invested in me, and really wanted me to be here.
“They showed me good things, and they also showed me things that I can improve. I always want to try to improve myself – I want to become the best possible version of me – so that perspective got to me.
“They didn’t just try to put honey around my mouth to spoil me; they were honest, and I liked that level of detail and the way they spoke with me.
“It’s a big challenge, and a dream to play in the Premier League.”
During the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, Flekken took more touches (61) than any opposition player; Ethan Pinnock (67) and Christian Norgaard (62) the only players on the pitch to complete more passes than Brentford's no.1 (53).
“Some of it is natural, because I started out as an outfield player,” Flekken responds when asked about his impressive passing range.
“That base layer that I developed back in the day when playing outfield has helped me, even to this day. Of course, it is not only natural. It is a lot of hard work, repetition and practice.”
Inside your Brentford v Everton match programme
“I expect them to be very intense in their pressing and physical in the second balls and the duels” – Thomas Frank shares his thoughts before Everton’s visit to the Gtech
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
Sky Sports’ Ben Grounds takes us inside the Toffees camp in Hot off the Press
The Nathan Caton Column
On the Rise with Jonathan Douglas
Including insight from Korea Republic manager Jurgen Klinsmann and sports journalist Sungmo Lee, we followed Ji-soo Kim during the September international break to find out more about Brentford's promising young defender
Sales locations
Bees Superstore and Bees Merchandise kiosk (Lionel Road South)
Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
Outside Bees Superstore
Outside the box office (entrance B)
End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge, stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium (as well as in the Dugout)
Merchandise kiosks (north, east and west stands and family section)
Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).