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Bryan Mbeumo: “Brentford play very good football. It is not “smash the ball long & see what happens”.”

Speaking to L’Équipe, French attacking talent Bryan Mbeumo explained his decision to join Championship side Brentford.

Can you understand why people might be surprised about your decision to go to Brentford in the English 2nd division?

Surprised? I am not sure. What I know, is that it is a decision I have thought hard about. The decision is a footballing one. I am going to have the possibility, here in the Championship, to play an enormous amount of matches. My progression will come through that. Through this, I, like the best players, will be able to play matches of high intensity very regularly. Aside from that, I think that that the cultural shift could give me a lot from a human perspective.

You initially preferred to stay in France…

I did, yes, but I never excluded the possibility of going abroad. I had offers in France. From Rennes for example. But for different reasons, it did not happen.

When you join Brentford, 11th in the Championship last year, do you get the impression that you are progressing?

I can understand why I am being asked this question. Aside from that, everyone has their own criteria. I take complete responsibility for my choices. In terms of the intensity, physicality, I am going to learn a lot. Brentford play very good football. It is not: “Smash up a long ball and see what happens.” No, that is not at all the case. There is a very well elaborated game plan. And then, I am not diving into a division that I do not know, I’ve watched Championship matches. I want to show everyone that this was the right decision.

Did you hesitate much?

It was new for me so yes, I thought about it, but I am convinced that this is the right choice. It is a division that suits my attributes. It is quite physical with quite a lot of space. And then I went to see the first match (0-1 vs. Birmingham), the stadium is small but there is an incredible atmosphere, it was great to see.

Neal Maupay, who moved to Brighton this summer after a good season with Brentford, is that a model you are looking to follow?

It is a great example, of course. He enjoyed himself here and was able to reach the Premier League.