Emmanuel Oyeleke said he was happy to get his first 90 minutes of the season under his belt.
Emmanuel – better known as Manny – captained Brentford’s Development Squad in their pre-season friendly draw with Hampton and Richmond Borough last night.
Speaking to Bees Player after the 1-1 draw, Manny said the conditioning staff had prepared him for the match and he was happy with his fitness.
“I feel good, happy to get 90 minutes under my belt,” said Manny.
“It was much needed after a long rest off-season.
“I am happy I got through it.
“You can always be better but I am happy fitness wise.
“The conditioning staff have been making us work really hard in training.
“I am not surprised I got through.
“I am happy with where I am and I know there is a long way to go before the season starts.”
Manny was one of only four Brentford players to complete the full match at The Beveree last night, along with goalkeeper Mark Smith and trialists Christian Lagos and Daniel O’Shaughnessy.
The Bees dominated the first half but fell behind to a Ben Harris goal.
Lagos equalised immediately and neither team could score the winner in a more even second half.
Manny and Montell Moore both came close to scoring in the first half but Brentford had to settle for a draw.
“I knew I would play 90 minutes and my role was to try and help the trialists out in the second half,” said Manny.
“I am one of the senior players.
“I am happy I was able to play 90 minutes.
“We had more control in the first half.
“We had more experienced players in the team in the first half and more players that have played together for years, that is not a surprise.
“Personally I think I could have done better but I played well.
“As a team we let ourselves down in the final third and a 1-1 score line flatters them, especially in the first half.
“I know I should have scored tonight.”
Brentford made six changes at half time and another late on while Hampton used 23 players.
“It is very difficult to play in this sort of game,” said Manny.
“When you have a hold on the game in the first half you expect the same in the second.
“With new personnel it is different.
“You have trialists trying to impress and get on the ball.
“The trialists today were first class with their work rate and ability on the ball.”
Manny said Brentford had to learn that when they did not take their chances they would be punished.
“Their goal was their first shot,” he said.
“That is the level we are at.
“Development football is preparing for First Team football and that is what First Team football is like.
“If you don’t punish teams they score, that happens everywhere.”
Manny signed a new one-year contract in the summer to extend his stay at Griffin Park.
He spent much of last year on loan at Aldershot Town and said he would look for another spell away from Griffin Park is he could no break in to Brentford’s First Team.
“Pre-season has gone well,” said Manny.
“I am working hard, I have been working on my diet and I am in good shape.
“I want to try and break in to the First Team but I don’t have a plan if I don’t, it’s football, anything can happen.
“Last year I went to Aldershot on loan at one day’s notice.
“The aim will be to get on loan and play First Team games as high as I can.
“Pre-season is a time to impress, to show we can get in to the First Team.
“It is an important time.”
Manny said his loan had improved him as a player.
“My loan helped me to develop mentally and physically,” he said.
“First Team football changes your mentality.
“Development football s about developing, First Team football is about results.
“I have improved my preparation and how I approach games and my recovery after.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Emmanuel Oyeleke here.