Frank: The realities of being a Premier League boss at Christmas | OneFootball

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has opened up on the realities of being in charge of a Premier League side during the festive period.

The Bees travel to Brighton's American Express Stadium on Friday, just two days on from Christmas, looking to pick up their first away win of the campaign.

“It’s tricky," said Frank, when asked what it is like to balance football and family at this time of year.

“We, in Denmark, celebrate on the 24th in the evening. I will still go to work tomorrow [Christmas Eve], of course, and then, in the night, have a nice dinner and probably open a bottle of wine.

“We will relax on the 25th together as a family. [Me and the squad] will then train a bit later on the 26th to make sure everything is sorted for Brighton."

Brighton, who lost 3-1 to rivals Crystal Palace in their last home outing, are winless in their last five fixtures but, prior to that, beat both Manchester City and in-form Bournemouth.

The Bees sit in 12th, two points and two places behind Friday's hosts, who have only lost four games this term; only the Premier League's top three - Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal - have fallen to fewer defeats.

“They have so many threats going forward so I expect a difficult game," Frank continued.

“Every away game is a chance to turn the away form. We go there with belief that we can win. That said, Brighton are a strong team.

“I think [Brighton head coach] Fabian Hürzeler has done a good job. They’ve got a very good squad, a more or less fully firing squad, available.

"[Kaoru] Mitoma is finding his form again. [João] Pedro we know is a top player.

“[Carlos] Baleba is an excellent midfielder. He will go to one of the bigger clubs in the future, for sure."