Brentford’s Keith Andrews on Hull’s Organisation in Pre-Match Presser

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Brentford manager Keith Andrews spoke to the media before Sunday’s Premier League Matchweek 8 game away to Hull City. The match is at the MKM Stadium on Sunday 25 October at 2pm, with Robert Jones as referee.

Andrews talked about the challenge Hull present, how Brentford respond to their 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool, Igor Thiago’s goalscoring and an update on Jannik Schuster. He also discussed his options at centre-back.

Andrews on facing Hull

“A proper test. They’ve a belief they can absolutely compete at this level. They’ve produced some really good performances; they’ve been in every single game they’ve played and we’re at the end of October. That says everything about where they are.”

What he said

Asked about Hull, Andrews described the game as “a proper test” and said the home side believe they can compete in the Premier League. He pointed out that Hull have been in every game they have played so far this season.

What he meant

Andrews is treating the game as a difficult one, not as a fixture Brentford are expected to win. The table gives some context: Hull are ninth with 9 points from seven games, one point behind sixth-placed Brentford.

His point about being “in every single game” matches Hull’s results. Their two defeats in the last six league matches against Newcastle and Fulham were each by a single goal, and they have drawn three.

Praise for Hull’s spirit

“It’s very evident that they have a spirit, a really honest spirit about the group, and they have a togetherness and honesty about the group. They’ve got some very, very experienced players that have been in the league before, and they’ve got players that are there for the first time that want to enjoy the journey. The way they play the game and the way they’re organised is very impressive.”

What he said

Andrews praised the spirit and togetherness in the Hull squad. He said they have a mix of players who have played in the league before and others experiencing it for the first time, and called their organisation “very impressive”.

What he meant

The comments suggest Brentford expect a well-drilled side rather than one reliant on individuals. Hull have conceded 7 goals in seven league games, one fewer than Brentford’s 8.

Andrews also talks about finding a plan based on what Hull show, which suggests he expects to adjust to their approach on the day.

Bouncing back from Liverpool

“We are always quite adaptable and have to be flexible in how and why we do things. We’ll find that balance between what we have, where players are with their game, and how we can try to exploit what Hull show to find the gameplan that works.”

What he said

Asked about responding to the Liverpool defeat, Andrews stressed that Brentford are adaptable and flexible. He said the plan will balance the squad’s resources, individual form and how they can exploit what Hull show.

What he meant

He did not suggest a big change of approach after the 2-1 loss at home on Saturday 17 October. His answer points to a game plan shaped by the opposition.

Brentford have one win in their last five league games, alongside three draws and a defeat. That run followed 2-2 draws at Bournemouth and Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

Thiago a ‘marked man’

“We constantly need to evolve how we are playing and how we are creating chances. Thiago at the moment is a very marked man. We’ve got goalscorers throughout the team. Thiago being Thiago wants to score more goals and he’s certainly not far away.”

What he said

Andrews said Brentford must keep evolving how they play and create chances. He described Igor Thiago as “a very marked man” at the moment, said there are goalscorers throughout the team, and added that Thiago is “certainly not far away” from scoring more.

What he meant

Andrews accepts that opponents are paying close attention to Thiago, and says the team must create chances in other ways as well. His point about goals coming from elsewhere fits Brentford’s record of 13 goals in seven league games, the most of the two sides.

Hull have conceded 7 in the same number of games, so the question is how Brentford find openings against an organised side.

Schuster’s disrupted week

“Jannik just had a bit of a troubled week going into the Liverpool game, really. A bit of a knock from international duty crept up on him during the Villa game, and then he wasn’t particularly well for a few days, so it was just a very disruptive week.”

What he said

Andrews explained that Jannik Schuster had a “troubled week” before the Liverpool game. He said a knock from international duty became an issue during the Villa game, and that Schuster was then unwell for a few days.

What he meant

The explanation gives a reason for Schuster’s disrupted build-up to the Liverpool match, and it suggests the problem was short-term rather than a longer injury. He does not appear on the list of Brentford absences, which names Josh Dasilva, Kaye Furo and Antoni Milambo.

Schuster back in training

“But he’s been back training the last few days, so he’s back to himself, more or less.”

What he said

Andrews said Schuster has been back in training for the last few days and is “back to himself, more or less”.

What he meant

The wording is positive but not absolute. “More or less” leaves room for caution, and Andrews did not say whether Schuster will start. It does suggest Schuster is available for selection.

Centre-back options

“It’s not necessarily been a headache, but it’s good problems to have, clearly. You’ve got four really, really good players,”

What he said

Asked about selection at centre-back, Andrews said it has not necessarily been a headache and called it a “good problem” to have. He said he has four really good players for those positions.

What he meant

Andrews says he has depth in defence, which matters in a congested league schedule. He did not name a preferred pairing for Sunday.

Choosing between the defenders

“They all have different strengths as centre-backs and then you’re trying to gauge who’s in form, who’s where they are physically, who’s ready to go. I’ve no doubt they’ll all be used over the coming weeks.”

What he said

Andrews said each centre-back has different strengths and that he weighs form, physical condition and readiness. He added that he has “no doubt” they will all be used over the coming weeks.

What he meant

The answer suggests selection will depend on the match and on fitness, with rotation likely over time. Hull have scored 8 league goals in seven games, so it is unclear which attributes Andrews will favour on Sunday.

Confidence check: Measured

Andrews sounds measured. He calls Hull “a proper test”, praises their spirit and organisation, and says he will tailor the game plan to what they show. He does not play down the challenge or talk up Brentford’s chances.

The numbers back that tone. Brentford are sixth with 10 points and have the better goal record, 13 scored and 8 conceded against Hull’s 8 and 7. Hull are ninth, one point behind, and have not won any of their last five league matches, drawing three and losing two. Brentford have one win in their last five.

He is positive on Schuster’s recovery and the strength of his defensive options, and he sounds relaxed about selection. His comments on Thiago acknowledge that Brentford need to keep finding ways to score.

How to watch

Hull City vs Brentford kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on NOW.

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