Brentford manager Thomas Frank has told Manchester United and Inter Milan how to beat Manchester City in the upcoming FA Cup and Champions League finals.
After winning the Premier League title for a third consecutive season, City could finish the campaign by winning the treble.
City will take on neighbours United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, before travelling to Istanbul to face Inter in the Champions League final on June 10.
No English team has won the league, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season since United in 1999, but if City replicate the feat, they will do so without having beaten Brentford.
The London outfit are the only side to have beaten City twice this season, following up their 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium in November with a 1-0 win on Sunday.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank clearly knows the secret to beating City, so after the match he was asked what advice he would give to United boss Erik ten Hag and Inter manager Simone Inzaghi.
“I think we top-performed in two games. It is very clear this is the best offensive team in the world so you need to defend very well,” the Danish coach said, via 90MIN.
“We managed to defend very well but not only in the low block, I think you could see today we were brave with high pressure throughout the game.
“I think that’s a big thing. I think if you only defend with a low block, you will struggle.
“That braveness, which I love about my team, I love that. Set pieces are also pretty important.”
Pep Guardiola has always been vocal in his praise of Frank and Brentford, and Sunday was no different.
“Last season, we won twice against Brentford…today we lost 1-0,” the City boss said.
“They are so difficult to break down. They are an incredible and top side in both sides – the high pressing, defending deep, the solidarity they have, the transitions are fast.
“[Goalkeeper David] Raya’s like a holding midfielder, he does whatever he wants.
“[Brentford] are the best team by far [at set pieces]. But it’s not just in that concept. It’s an exceptional team.
“I have a lot of admiration for Thomas Frank and what he’s been doing for many years. He’s getting better. You have the feeling he has the unity of this club.”
