Thomas Frank 'so respectful' as Brentford attempt another Man City shock

Thomas Frank labelled Erling Haaland's movement as "the best we've ever seen" ahead of Brentford's trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.

Brentford will look to build off their 3-1 win over Southampton ahead of the international break in Saturday's meeting with Haaland's Manchester City.

The Norway forward leads the league's top scorer charts once again after seven strikes in his first three matches, with consecutive hat-tricks in victories against newly-promoted Ipswich and Julen Lopetegui's West Ham.

"A lot of teams have tried to neutralise him, he's a great player," Frank told a press conference on Thursday.

"I think his movement in the box is the best we've ever seen, with the way he anticipates and times the movements with a drop of the shoulder.

"He's constantly on the move in terms of where the ball is and he's constantly focused on himself and aware, it's top-level. He can play in behind, he's not only explosive, quick and strong, but so focused to make sure he times it at the right moment.

"He's a good player, for the best team in the world. We'll do what we can to play a good game."

City beat Frank's Brentford twice last season but in the 2022-23 season the west Londoners celebrated a double over the Manchester club.

Frank insisted Brentford will need some fortune if they are to hand City their first defeat of the season.

"We are ready for the challenge, we've done well against City every time we've played them," he added.

"I'm so respectful because I know if you switch off you can lose 5-0. Hopefully we play good.

"We're going to need a bit of luck."

Ivan Toney bid farewell to Brentford after the striker's deadline-day move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, ending a lengthy transfer saga.

The forward, who had netted 36 goals in the Premier League for Frank's side since their promotion in 2021, will be a big loss according to the Bees boss.

"Ivan's been fantastic for us," Frank said.

"He's been a big part of our success across the last four years, he was one of the most important players, no doubt about that.

"Ivan had character off the pitch in terms of carrying the team, in terms of bringing humility every day.

"He will be missed as a player and a person no doubt and I wish him all the best."