Defender Jack O’Connell looked back on yesterday’s pre-season defeat at Luton Town with mixed emotions. Admitting disappointment at losing, the result was tempered with his first 90 minutes in a Brentford shirt.
“I was tired near the end,” said Jack. “Especially going to left back, but that’s what pre-season is for, to get 90 minutes under your belt.
“I played centre back and then went out to left back; I feel more comfortable at centre back but overall it was a good performance. It’s disappointment with the result but we can just move on to Norwich.”
Luton’s first goal was headed in from a corner kick, a source of goals that he and his team mates are determined to reduce this season.
“We’ve been working on them a lot in training – attacking and defensively – so it’s disappointing to concede off a set piece but we’ll keep working on it,” said Jack.
Jack stressed the need for pre-season matches, and with it a chance to impress new Head Coach Marinus Dijkhuizen.
“It’s definitely important as you need the 90 minutes and there’s lots of players fighting for places,” said Jack. “To get 90 minutes today was a big plus for me as I haven’t played that much in the other friendlies.”
With the summer arrivals of Yoann Barbet and Andreas Bjelland, the Club now has three left-sided central defenders competing for a place in the side, which far from dampening his spirits, is spurring the 21-year-old on to win a first team slot.
“If it doesn’t drive you on then you’re in the wrong job,” said Jack. “I want to play for Brentford. What I’m going to do every day is work hard in training and try to get ahead of the other lads.”
You can view the entire interview on Bees PlayerHD below.