Brentford Head Coach Dean Smith revealed that the team have been working hard on eradicating the defensive errors which cost them dear last weekend as they prepare for Saturday’s visit from Birmingham City. The Bees were beaten 3-2 on a wintry afternoon in Lancashire by Blackburn Rovers with the manner of the goals they conceded particularly disappointing The Bees Head Coach.
Speaking to Bees Player ahead of Saturday’s match against Blues, Dean said: “Everyone is fit, ready, and raring to go ahead of the weekend. We have had a training week where the players have had it spelt out what we need to get better at, what we are doing well, and what we need to keep doing well. It has been a good week and they are working hard, looking to put the results right. We are really disappointed with the goals that we gave away last week: they were very unlike us and it something that we need to improve on. We gave Blackburn a helping hand in all three of the goals. On the other side of it we had to work really hard for our goals: they were both really well worked finishes. We have been working on not being too open and giving the opposition chances like we did last week.”
Gary Rowett’s side come to West London sitting in fifth place in the Sky Bet Championship but with just six points separating them from The Bees in 14th. Dean admits he is wary of Blues goalscoring threat but added that it is important his team focus on doing what they do best.
“Birmingham City are a good strong team,” said Dean. “They are very well organised. In their last six games I think they have won two, drawn two, and lost two but I know how strong they are and we have to make sure that we are organised ourselves. They know what they are good at and they excel at that. They have got players who know how to score goals. They have got goals from all over the pitch and are a threat from set-pieces. However, we have got to concentrate on ourselves because when we concentrate on ourselves, and what we do well, we usually play well. You always have to touch on the opposition and what to expect from them, what their threats are, and what your opportunities are. More often than not it is about us, our attitude, and our application. There is plenty of talent within this team and that has been shown throughout the season. It is just about us putting it all together.”
After a ten game unbeaten home run from March to October, Dean’s side have lost their last two at Griffin Park without scoring. The Bees boss is understandably keen to end that run and said that it is up to the players to put in the performances to turn Griffin Park back into a fortress again.
“It would be nice to rediscover some home form too,” said Dean. “We started the season fantastically well at home and didn’t concede many goals. We have had a couple of disappointing games at home, results wise, and we need to put that right. It would be nice to get back home and get the supporters behind us. We know that we have to entertain them and put on a good performance to get them behind us. When that happens Griffin Park is a tough place to come.”
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