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Andrews on returning trio, 'vital' Ouattara and 'interesting stat'

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Andrews confirmed Kevin Schade and Jannik Schuster have been "back on the grass" after being substituted off with injuries last time out. It will be a case of "seeing how much they can do" on Saturday afternoon.

  • He is "fully anticipating" Sepp van den Berg, Nathan Collins and Mikkel Damsgaard to be involved after recovering from different injuries. Overall, the squad is in "a really good place".

  • On having "a really good squad and really good options" this season: "It is difficult picking a team, really difficult. The main message to the group has been that it is going to be a long season. If we want to achieve something really special, we are going to need everybody."

  • Mamadou Sangare, who has not started the past two games, will be "right involved" against Liverpool. The central midfielder "lit it up in pre-season" and has been "outstanding" since signing a club-record deal in August.

  • Dango Ouattara is still viewed as "vital part" of the team, despite "not quite being himself" this season with the Bees boss adding: "I've got no real concerns, though. Players aren't robots and things go on in their personal lives that can effect performances. He will prove to be a match-winner again pretty soon."

  • On Brentford only trailing for five minutes in the Premier League this season: "We definitely don't like losing as a group, but we also try to play with a competitive nature. When we play with our edge, we are a really good side. It is an interesting stat, but it doesn't overly surprise me."

  • He added: "The way we approach games is fearlessly. We know we have to stop the top teams playing the game they want and we have to try to imprint our game on them as much as possible."

  • On whether the 'underdog' mindset is changing at Brentford: "It is a good question. I do think we've taken a step towards being a team that can give anybody a game on any day, but we can never lose sight of where this club has come from. The whole club is in a really good place at the moment, but we want to keep pushing."

  • The Bees haven't suffered a defeat at Gtech Community Stadium since 25 January 2026 - and it is all part of Andrews' plan to make the ground "not a particularly nice place" to travel to for away sides.

  • He added: "The home comforts and familiarity are nice for us. The fans have also been amazing this season. The energy they bring pre-game is very much appreciated by the players. Hopefully that continues against Liverpool."

  • Andoni Iraola's style of play at the Reds is "similar but equally different" to his philosophy at Bournemouth, so he is expecting another "proper game" against the head coach on Saturday.

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