As well as taking some time off during a two week break between fixtures, Brentford FC Head Coach Thomas Frank has spoken in depth to The Guardian newspaper. Thomas spent time, virtually, with Ben Fisher, The Guardian's EFL reporter, to look ahead to the later stages of the season. And Thomas did so in optimistic mood.

“We are definitely getting into the last part of the race, so maybe we are not sprinting yet but we are definitely increasing the tempo, or trying to," said Thomas, in the interview. “I think the fans should have massive hope. After we went 21 games unbeaten, which is unbelievable in this league, you suddenly have even more hope. Then we had a little setback. The fact is if you said, ‘OK, Thomas,’ or to any Bees fan after 37 games, ‘you will have eight points more than at this stage last season, you would have said: Yes, of course.’ We will definitely attack this run-in. It’s the only way."

In the interview, Thomas talks about how he spent some time off while The Bees were without a game. Brentford have not played since a draw with Nottingham Forest, which leaves them fourth in the Championship table with nine games to go. They are back in action tomorrow, Saturday 3 April, as they visit Huddersfield Town.

Thomas talks about watching Ollie Watkins, who left Brentford at the end of last season, playing and scoring for England. He also reflected on Ivan Toney following Ollie and Neal Maupay in scoring 25 league goals for The Bees. It is the third season in a row that a Brentford striker has hit that milestone.

Thomas also spoke about social media and the way that can affect players. He explained that shutting out the external noise would be key in the final five weeks of the season. See the interview here.