Harlee Dean had no illusions about the importance of Brentford's West London derby with Queens Park Rangers on Friday.
“I think this is the biggest game since I’ve been here, said Harlee. “If we win this it’s four wins on the bounce and propels us back up the table. It’s a huge game and it’s going to be packed out stadium. The fans are going to be buzzing and we’ve got to live up to it, take it in, soak in the atmosphere and make sure we perform.
“Under the lights at Griffin Park, you can’t get much better for me. Last year when we were away at Fulham, we took 6,000 in the away stand and that was unbelievable so I can only imagine this is going to be double that; the atmosphere will be amplified.”
The 24-year-old spoke of the turnaround in results under Head Coach Lee Carsley, who took over four weeks ago following the departure of Marinus Dijkhuizen.
“We’ve defended really well,” said Harlee. “Even when we didn’t have a clean sheet we were defending better as well. It’s nice to have a couple of clean sheets and something to show for it, and carry on and get another one tomorrow.
“It’s been a good week. Nine points out of nine. It’s been enjoyable as well, winning games again and getting back to the team we can be. Training’s picked up, the intensity and it’s been a good environment to be part of.”
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