Keith Andrews looking forward to first Derby game as manager

Brentford manager Keith Andrews is ‘looking forward’ to his first derby game in his managerial career, as he preps his side to face West London rivals Chelsea on Saturday night.

Andrews said: “It’s a game we’ve done the exact same type of preparation for, the only difference has been the players have been away on international duty, that break gives you a little bit of a chance to breath.”

Despite the threat Chelsea poses, Andrews will look to keep certain characteristics of how his team plays regardless of opposition.

Andrews explained: “I don’t like changing too much when it comes to what we do. I think there has to be that consistent message to a team. You can’t keep flipping game to game tactically…We’re trying to remain consistent with the approach.”

While maintaining consistency in the teams overall approach, adaptations will be made to counter certain threats Chelsea posses and exploit other weaknesses they have.

Andrews added: “Obviously there are certain aspects that we see in Chelsea that we feel we can take advantage of, I think that’s just the nature of how you prepare for games.”

Having lost Wissa close to the end of the window, Andrews reflects the window having now closed is helping him.

Andrews said: “The window closing is a help, it wasn’t easy feeling with it, all the questions surrounding it, the uncertainty doesn’t help the group.

“That [Transfer window] closing has given me peace of mind, we know where we are now and we can crack on. The first game in the next chapter is against Chelsea which I’m really looking forward to.”

For new arrivals, Andrews will attempt to educate the players on the importance of playing in a West London derby to the fans. Players who have been with the team a long time know what to expect from this weekends clash according to the manager.

Andrews rounded off his comments saying: “I constantly say it, the game is about players and fans.”

Brentford take on Chelsea at the G Tech Community Stadium at 20:00 on Saturday.