Brentford’s Transformation: A Year of Reflection and Resilience
A year ago, Brentford found themselves in a precarious position, not merely flirting with relegation but facing the stark reality that it was a genuine threat. This situation is significant to recall, especially for a club that has not had the luxury of simply focusing on “survival mode” since their return to the top flight in 2021, after a 74-year absence. The summer provided a crucial opportunity for introspection, prompting the club to reflect on their near miss and to take decisive steps to ensure it would not happen again.
Mark Flekken, the club’s goalkeeper, navigates the delicate balance between self-criticism and self-improvement with remarkable care. As of the 2024-25 season, he has made more saves (108) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. However, his initial six months in English football were fraught with challenges, which he attributes to “life on the pitch and outside the pitch, personal life, big changes with the family and the kids.”
Facing Challenges and Embracing Growth
“It took me longer than I anticipated, or hoped for,” he shares with The i Paper. “But that’s all part of the process. If a player like me is open about a situation like that, it allows people outside the club to see that it isn’t the easiest job to adapt to a new country and perform at your peak from day one. Naturally, I wish it had been different and that I could have hit my peak level right from the start, but I believe it was a natural progression. It simply took a bit longer than I hoped.”
Brentford’s struggles last season were not solely Flekken’s; the entire team was hit hard by injuries and the lengthy suspension of Ivan Toney. This collective hardship may have made it somewhat easier to thrive after Toney’s departure to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Brentford managed to cope with the losses of David Raya, whom Flekken replaced, and Christian Eriksen in previous seasons.
- For the first time in the Premier League, Brentford boasts two players, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, who have both reached double figures for goals—with three months left in the season.
- Mikkel Damsgaard and Mbeumo have been nominated for Player of the Year at the London Football Awards (LFAs), in partnership with The i Paper, taking place at Wembley on February 27.
“Talking about Bryan, along with Wissa and Kevin Schade, they have become a significant threat up front, scoring the goals we need,” Flekken notes. “Mikkel is also contributing effectively in midfield. Some pieces that were missing last year due to injuries and lack of rhythm have seamlessly come together this season.”
Brentford has not missed Toney’s goals. “Especially at home, the team has performed exceedingly well, and while our away performances have been commendable, we just couldn’t collect the points we deserved,” he explains.
Home Advantage and Community Spirit
By Christmas, Brentford had the highest number of home wins of any Premier League side, remaining unbeaten at the Gtech until December 21. Only Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham have managed to beat them at home since then.
“Many of the bigger clubs approach our games with a great deal of respect, particularly at our ground,” insists Flekken. “The respect they show indicates they recognize us as a strong side in this league.”
Any lingering growing pains from the transition to the new ground in 2020 have dissipated. Griffin Park was home for 116 years, but the ethos at Brentford is that support must be reciprocal. “It can significantly impact the atmosphere in the stands if supporters feel appreciated by the club,” Flekken states. “When the club invests in the community, the fans reciprocate with their support.”
Community Initiatives and Team Culture
The “Bee A Hero” campaign has also been nominated for an LFA Community Award. This initiative raises awareness for the need for more blood donors in the community surrounding the club, reinforcing Brentford’s role as a community hub. Thomas Frank, who is nominated for Manager of the Year, similarly emphasizes community values in recruitment. Despite their reputation for data-driven scouting, Flekken reveals that one of the primary considerations is a player’s character.
- “How does someone fit into the group?” he asks. “How do we maintain the strong culture we have at this club? The management excels at identifying the right people for our environment.”
Now 31, the Netherlands international has two young children who joined him from SC Freiburg in 2023. Flekken appreciates the contrast between London and his previous home. “That’s a significant difference,” he remarks. “But London offers everything you could possibly imagine. Plus, the club is fantastic—I’m truly enjoying my life here.”
When asked if he has any complaints, he jokes, “Don’t mention the food!”
Flekken credits a sports psychologist for helping him regain his form, along with guidance from Frank. “He has always believed in me. His coaching style, philosophy, and the way he encourages players aligns perfectly with my needs. He maintains a positive outlook, even in challenging circumstances, and is always pushing for improvement while striking a balance between support and demand.”
Flekken is back in goal following a side strain, returning to keep a clean sheet in the victory over West Ham. “I’m feeling good… like nothing ever happened,” he asserts, as he prepares for the critical final stretch of the season and the possibility of a top-half finish.
Looking Ahead
“I’m not someone who looks too far into the future because that’s beyond my control,” he explains. “But if we can secure a place in the top 10 this season, it would signify we’ve had a great season. Achieving that might even open up the prospect of aiming for European places.”
“For the upcoming seasons, maintaining our performance level is crucial. We cannot afford to drop off, as we have had some excellent campaigns in the past. A lot will depend on injuries and maintaining rhythm—there are numerous factors at play. Hopefully, everyone stays healthy in the coming seasons, and we can push forward as one cohesive unit.”
For more information and to purchase tickets for the London Football Awards 2025 at Wembley Stadium on February 27, visit londonfootballawards.org.
