Brentford manager Thomas Frank does not believe Manchester City's recent dip in form would have surprised 'best coach in the world' Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola's side went through a difficult period at the end of last year, including a run of seven games in a row without a win in all competitions.
The Citizens have since won their last two Premier League matches, having won just one of their previous nine games in the competition (drawing two, losing six), while they also beat Salford City 8-0 in the third last Saturday round of the FA Cup.
The reigning champions find themselves 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and two points adrift of the Champions League places before they face the Bees on Tuesday.
But Brentford will be hoping to maintain their own European ambitions while also aiming to return to glory on home soil.
After winning six of their first seven top-flight home games this season – and earning more home points than any other side in the process – Brentford have now lost their last two at the Gtech Community Stadium. It was only between October and November 2021 that they lost three times in a row in the competition.
“A fantastic team with a fantastic coach and fantastic players,” said Frank. “I don't think it's a surprise to Pep that they've had a dip.
“You never know when it will come, but you know that no team in the world can win consistently year after year.
“It's impossible, especially in the best league in the world. What they've done in the last four years shouldn't be possible. It's hugely impressive and he will go again.”
Frank and Guardiola are the Premier League's two longest-serving managers, with six and eight-and-a-half years in their current roles respectively.
Of their seven top-flight games, Frank has won just two games, compared to Guardiola's five, with an average winning percentage of just 28.57%.
“For me he is the best coach in the world,” Frank added. “He is also the outlier when he is that good because I think he can stay as long as he wants.
“Of course everyone has to perform – even Pep, and he says so himself – but he is so good that he can come up with solutions.”
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