Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he had lots of nice questions to ask himself before selecting his team for the Sky Bet Championship match against Bolton Wanderers.
The Bees face Bolton at the Macron Stadium tomorrow, Saturday October 25, their third game in seven days.
The Bees will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to four after a win against Reading earlier this month and consecutive 0-0 draws in the past six days, away at Wigan Athletic and at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Mark said he would be considering the players that had come in on Tuesday – Harlee Dean started the match as James Tarkowski was suspended while Toumani Diagouraga, Jon Toral and Nick Proschwitz were all used as substitutes – when he selected his Bolton team.
He added he would also be thinking about how well the players had performed to get Brentford to 12th in the Sky Bet Championship and ensuring everyone was fresh.
“People came in on Tuesday and did well, it is important to recognise that,” said Mark.
“That is something to consider for Saturday’s team.
“We also have to make sure players are fresh.
“Do we go with the ‘if it isn’t broken don’t fix it’ attitude or look to freshen things up.
“There are good players on the fringes looking to get in.
“We are aware of Toumani Diagouraga, Marcos Tébar, Jon Toral.
“Everyone saw how well Harlee did.
“There are lots of questions, but nice problems to have in some ways.”
It has been a busy week for The Bees with travel to Wigan and a home match against Sheffield Wednesday.
Mark said preparation was key ahead of a third game in seven days.
“We have a few knocks, bumps and bruises but, all in all, we are in good shape,” he said.
“We have wrapped a few in cotton wool, as you have to in these busy periods.
“But, other than that, we are OK.
“Preparation for games is all about what you do in between.
“We had a tough trip to Wigan, those that played were in the pool on Sunday and we have to maintain the fitness of those who didn’t play, or who came on as sub.
“Getting their workload right is important.
“Monday is recovery, Tuesday is the game, Wednesday is a day off and on Thursday we wrap them in cotton wool.
“We have to manage the time and make sure those on the fringes don’t see their fitness levels drop.
“It is tight in terms of time, we have to review the games and preview the next one.
“A lot of the players just need to rest.
“There is a constant scenario of analysis-train-rest but that is the nature of the division.
“Players have to buy in to it but those that don’t are at a disadvantage.
“Disadvantages cost you.”
Bolton have had a managerial change in the past few weeks with Neil Lennon taking over.
It will be his first home game as Bolton boss.
Mark said Bolton were a different side under Lennon and his staff would wait and see how the hosts would set up.
He said his side had to recognise how Bolton would play under a new boss and impose themselves on the game.
“They are different,” said Mark.
“We will wait and see what their shape is and who they have in terms of personnel.
“We know they will be at a slightly higher tempo but it is their first home game.
“The crowd will give him a warm response.
“We have to recognise that and impose our style of football.
“We always try to play the game in our way.
Mark said Marcos Tébar would not play in the match but Nico Yennaris and Tommy Smith would be available after playing for the Development Squad against Birmingham City on Monday.
There is another Development Squad fixture this coming Tuesday, away to Crystal Palace, and Mark said more First Team players could be involved.
“Marcos has tweaked a quad muscle, we will lose him for the weekend,” said the Brentford boss.
“Tommy Smith and Nico Yennaris came through the Development Squad match.
“Both have trained today and will be available for Saturday.
“It is nice to have players of that quality come back.
“We would love to see Sam Saunders playing soon.
“There is a chance for other guys – Betinho, Montell Moore, maybe Jon Toral – to get game time as well.
“It will be a good game to play in, at Crystal Palace.”
Mark said there was still disappointment at draws with Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday, despite their opponents being established Championship sides.
The Brentford boss added a goal by Andre Gray, ruled out for offside, during a fine start should have counted but his players also had to recognise there was a first half spell when they were under real pressure.
“We came out of the games on Saturday and Tuesday – against established Championship teams – disappointed with a point,” said Mark.
“They have sizable budgets and we have to recognise where we are.
“We have looked at Andre’s goal and that was onside.
“There was another second half chance and Andre was onside again.
“At the same time, we were a bit loose between 30 and 45 minutes and they hit the post.
“We have to tighten up and recognise what we didn’t do so well but the first 25 minutes was as well as we have played.”
Mark also addressed questions he was asked after Tuesday’s match about public communication from players.
“We talk a lot,” he said.
“Our door is always open for a player to come and talk behind closed doors.
“That is how we get better.
“I believe we should do things in private.
“Players get an honest response but it won’t always be what they want to hear.
“We want to keep our private discussions private.”
Mark also discussed the appointment of Lee Carsley as Brentford Development Squad Manager.
Mark said he had spoken to Lee – as well as Assistant Manager David Weir, Sporting Director Frank McParland and Academy Director Ose Aibangee – about the progression of players to the First Team.
“Lee has played the game at the highest level,” said Mark.
“I have sat down and spoken to Lee, as well as with David, Frank and Ose.
“He understands what we want, our philosophy.
“He understands the need for aspiration; players need to move from Under-18s to Under-21s to the First Team.
“There has to be a culture of working hard to move up.
“Lee supports that.
“We are delighted to have a coach of Lee’s calibre at Brentford.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full interview with Mark Warburton here.