Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he would continue to remind his players of the fine margins that can decide Sky Bet Championship games as they seek a sixth straight win.
The Bees won all five of their league games in November – a run which earned Mark the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month award, announced this morning – and have climbed to third in the table after coming up from League One last season.
Mark said the fifth win, against Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, gave his side more self-belief and confidence, and they could see the rewards for their performances.
But he said he always reminded them that performances like the second half one at Middlesbrough, which ensured his side were beaten 4-0, would cost them dear.
“It was good for the self-belief and confidence to get that fifth win,” said Mark, speaking to Bees Player this week.
“The players also see where they are in the league; they are getting rewards for their performances.
“There has been a good feel this week.
“This is a good group.
“The players have come through small dips and we always refer to Middlesbrough.
“We know we are on a good run of form, some games have been tight and we have to be aware of the fine margins.
“If we do what we do well we will be alright but we will pay the price for a dip.
“It speaks volumes for the character and quality of the players that we have had one bad half this season.
“They are a demanding group, they set standards in training.
“Their work ethic is outstanding.
“They tasted success last season and want more of it.
“We recognise the challenges but they enjoy every game, we go to new venues and relish the challenge.”
Brentford will head to Huddersfield Town tomorrow looking for that sixth win in a row.
The Terriers are 19th in the table but have only lost twice at home all season, once on the first day.
Former Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell has been in charge at Huddersfield since early September and Mark said he expected to come up against a side playing 4-3-3 with Grant Holt at centre forward and speed either side of him.
He said Huddersfield had quality and experience in the shape of Mark Hudson and Jacob Butterfield in midfield and were better than their league position suggested but The Bees relished the challenge.
“They have pace, cleverness and width in attack with Nahki Wells, Grant Holt and Sean Scannell,” said Mark.
“They have Diego Poyet, who is clever but stays deeper, Butterfield and Hudson in the midfield.
“Their full backs bomb on.
“They possess some really good players and are probably in a false league position.
“They are on a good run at home.
“It is a tough place to go and play, it is a good stadium and a good surface, we look forward to it.
“Chris is an excellent manager, he played 4-4-2 at Charlton but is more 4-3-3 here.
“You have a talented squad with an experienced Championship manager.
“If our standards slip we will get hurt.
“We keep repeating it but it is important to understand and recognise how fine the margins are.”
A collection of First Team players – including Nico Yennaris, Marcos Tébar and Betinho – were involved as Brentford’s Development Squad beat Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.
Yennaris played in midfield while speedy winger Josh Clarke played at right back and Mark said this was a nod to the way The Bees played at First Team level with Moses Odubajo and Jack Bidwell at full back.
“I was delighted with Nico Yennaris,” said Mark.
“He played in a central midfield role; he covers the ground well, read the game well and used the ball wisely.
“Betinho and Marcos Tébar got good time on the pitch.
“The young guys stood up well.
“There were many positives.
“Pace and width can hurt teams and we need that option if we require it.
“We push opponents back at First Team level and we have to look at that all through the Club, hence trying Josh Clarke at right back.
“The games are good for fitness but we have to judge what they get from a game compared to training.”
Mark said Tébar was ill but he had a fully fit squad otherwise for the Huddersfield game.
There was also news on Scott Hogan this week.
The striker suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in August and underwent surgery but was ahead of schedule in his recover and was heading to America early in 2015 for rehabilitation.
“Marcos went home ill but we have a full complement otherwise for Saturday,” said Mark.
“It is pleasing for Scott Hogan that he has made progress.
“I think he found it hard a few weeks ago, the boys were training on the grass and getting results and doing well and it’s tough for him.
“There were some dark days.
“Wednesday was pleasing for Scott.
“He is ahead of schedule.
“We have a long-termed injured player with a chance to go to one of the top ACL rehab specialists in the world.
“Our staff can learn as well and it will be a great experience.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full interview with Mark Warburton here.
Reaction from Mark to winning the Manager of the Month award can be seen on the Club’s YouTube channel here.