Thomas Frank Stays Loyal To Brentford Despite Chelsea's Glance

Chelsea's search for a new manager continues, with Thomas Frank of Brentford emerging as a potential candidate. The club is seeking its fourth permanent manager under Todd Boehly, following the recent departure of Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent. Alongside Frank, Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna is also being considered for the role.

Despite Brentford's 16th-place finish in the 2023-24 season, their worst since Frank led them to the Premier League in 2021, the team remained comfortably above the relegation zone. This was achieved despite a lengthy injury list and Ivan Toney's suspension for the first half of the season. Over their three Premier League seasons, Brentford rank ninth for expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes (1.44) and eighth for expected goals against (xGA) per 90 minutes (1.38).

Frank has expressed contentment with his current position at Brentford, stating he is not actively seeking a new job. "I will probably be on that touchline on August 17," Frank told The Athletic. "I think that will happen. I'm happy here. I've said it many times and I mean it. It's close to the perfect football life."

He added, "I'm not in any rush or searching to do something else but I also think I've learned in life I'm open for what can happen. I can see myself being here for a long period. Can I stay here for seven more years? I don't know and that's not that I don't love Brentford, it's just, do I want to try something different? I'm very aware the grass is not always greener in the garden next door, even if it looks like it."

Brentford have already seen set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva agree to join Chelsea. Reports suggest that Chelsea's hierarchy were unimpressed with how Pochettino's staff handled set-pieces. Brentford ranked second for xG from set-pieces this season (15.7) and allowed opponents the third lowest xGA figure from such situations (8.6), behind only Arsenal and Manchester City.

With Pochettino's departure, Chelsea are expected to act swiftly in appointing his successor. The club aims to find a dynamic young coach capable of working within their existing setup, making Frank and McKenna strong contenders for the position.

The situation remains fluid as Chelsea continue their search for a new manager while Brentford prepare for another season under Frank's leadership.