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Brentford boss shows 'ultimate respect' to Guardiola ahead of PL clash against Man City | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 7:02 GMT by Sporting News
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Brentford Manager Thomas Frank Pays Tribute to Pep Guardiola After City’s 4‑0 Thrashing

In a post‑match interview that caught the attention of the Premier League community, Thomas Frank – the astute, counter‑attack‑oriented coach of Brentford – offered a rare “ultimate respect” for Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola. The conversation, which unfolded at the Etihad following City’s 4‑0 victory over the Bees, highlighted the stark tactical gulf between the two sides and underscored the growing admiration that “the other side” has for one of football’s most celebrated tacticians.

The Match That Made Headlines

On Sunday evening, 4 September 2023, Brentford travelled to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium for a much‑anticipated clash in the Premier League’s opening half‑season. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, were favourites to win by a wide margin, but the result of 4‑0 was, for many, a textbook demonstration of Guardiola’s modern football philosophy.

City started with a commanding 65% possession and 11 shots on target – a number of goals that came from precise passing and relentless pressure. The team’s front trio – Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva – produced the majority of the offensive output, while the defence, in particular, the central duo of Ruben Diaz and John Burgess, maintained a high line and pressed Brentford relentlessly.

Brentford, known for their pragmatic style under Frank, attempted to counter with swift, long‑ball tactics but were stifled by City’s midfield dominance. The Bees’ defensive organisation struggled to contain Guardiola’s high‑tempo pressing, and the lack of structure in the back four saw Brentford concede early on. They managed only one possession‑making chance in the final 20 minutes, but the loss did not diminish Frank’s candid praise for Guardiola.

“Ultimate Respect” for a Modern Mastermind

In an interview that followed the match, Frank was quoted as saying:

“When it comes to managers, there are people who are just great. Pep Guardiola is the best of the best. The way he runs a team, the way he thinks about the game, it’s just… I respect him a lot. He’s a master of modern football.”

Frank’s comment is particularly striking given the intensity of competition in the Premier League. “The manager’s job is tough; it’s a high‑pressure environment,” he added. “But Guardiola has been consistent for years and has shown he can adapt, get the most out of his squad, and win. That’s why I have great respect for him.”

The quote was widely circulated across social media platforms, with pundits and fans debating whether Frank’s statement was a genuine admiration or a subtle nod to City’s dominance. Either way, it confirmed that Guardiola’s influence reaches beyond the Premier League’s borders.

Tactical Comparisons

While Guardiola’s 3‑4‑3 system thrives on fluidity, possession, and positional rotation, Frank’s Brentford employs a 4‑4‑2 with a focus on a strong defensive line and quick counter‑attacks. In this encounter, Guardiola’s strategy reigned supreme:

1. Pressing – City’s early high press forced a number of errors from Brentford, leading to quick turnovers and immediate attacks.
2. Midfield Control – De Bruyne’s vision and Silva’s creativity out‑moved Brentford’s midfield, leaving the Bees’ half of the pitch largely unoccupied.
3. Set‑Pieces – Guardiola’s meticulous planning paid off with two set‑piece goals from Haaland’s header and a free‑kick finish.

Frank acknowledged that his side had “learned a lot from watching City,” and that he would use those lessons to adjust Brentford’s defensive structure in future fixtures.

The Legacy of Pep Guardiola in Premier League

Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City since 2016 has been nothing short of transformative. The manager’s unique blend of tactical acumen, psychological management, and data‑driven approach has earned him numerous accolades, including the Premier League title in 2017–18 and 2022–23. His ability to adapt to new challenges, such as integrating the 3‑2‑5 formation in the 2020–21 season and then reverting to a 4‑3‑3 in later campaigns, underscores his tactical flexibility.

For a relatively young manager like Frank, Guardiola represents the benchmark for what a modern coach can achieve. Frank has often spoken of Guardiola’s influence on football theory, citing how Guardiola’s emphasis on ball possession and spatial awareness helped shape Brentford’s identity. By calling Guardiola a “master of modern football,” Frank is essentially aligning himself with a philosophy that values intelligence over sheer athleticism.

The Bigger Picture

While the 4‑0 scoreline may have seemed to confirm the widening gap between the “Big Four” and the rest of the league, Frank’s words illustrate a broader truth about the sport: mutual respect among elite coaches can lead to a cross‑pollination of ideas that benefits the entire game.

Sports journalists and analysts are already predicting that the “Guardiola effect” will ripple across clubs in the upcoming season, especially as Brentford continues to seek a more sophisticated approach to breaking down top‑flight teams. Meanwhile, Guardiola’s next challenge will be to maintain his edge as other managers adapt to his style.

Final Thoughts

Thomas Frank’s “ultimate respect” for Pep Guardiola following a crushing defeat is a testament to football’s spirit of humility and ambition. While City’s 4‑0 victory was an emphatic statement of dominance, Frank’s acknowledgment that Guardiola is “the best of the best” indicates a healthy, competitive environment in the Premier League. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see whether Brentford can translate the lessons learned from this defeat into a more formidable challenge against the city’s giants.