'Admired' Premier League manager admits 'ambitions' amid Liverpool links

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed his 'ambitions' but insists he is 'insanely happy' at Brentford, amid Liverpool's search for a new manager.

The Reds are set to make their first managerial appointment since 2015, following Jurgen Klopp's blockbuster revelation that he will stand down from the role at the end of the current campaign.

The 56-year-old called time on his Anfield tenure in an emotional exit announcement last month, in which he admitted he is 'running out of energy' after over eight years in the job.

While the focus for Liverpool is ending Klopp's glorious spell in the best possible way, with four trophies still a distinct possibility, the ownership also face the daunting task of replacing a legendary manager in the coming months.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso is the bookies' favourite. The 42-year-old is currently in charge of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten in 2023/24.

Among the other candidates mentioned so far are Ruben Amorim (Sporting CP), Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton) and Julian Nagelsmann (Germany). Meanwhile, Brentford boss Frank is seen as an outside contender, with the Athletic claiming that the Dane has 'admirers' at Anfield.

Speaking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet in an exclusive interview, 50-year-old Frank acknowledged the soon-to-be vacant managerial posts at both Liverpool and Barcelona (who will lose Xavi at the end of the season).

'I have ambitions'

“Yeah, I keep up with things and have seen that Xavi and Klopp are leaving,” the Brentford boss said. “Two big coaching personalities for two fantastic clubs, both of whom have done well.”

Frank, a two-time winner of the Danish FA's coach of the year, went on to suggest that while he is happy in London, he does still have designs on the next steps in his career.

He continued: “Regarding myself, I’m insanely happy to be here. I’ve said that before. I have the opportunity to pursue many of my ambitions.

“Like everyone else, I also have ambitions, but it’s hard to say exactly what they are.

“I’m focused on doing well right now. I have no doubt that we need to finish the second half of the season strongly.

“I understand that we need some good performances and to win some football matches, and that’s my main focus right now.”

After winning promotion to the Premier League with Brentford through the playoffs in 2020/21, Frank led the Bees to back-to-back mid-table finishes in the top flight, impressing fans and pundits with his style of football.

After 23 games in 2023/24, Brentford sit in 15th and have won just five matches to date, but have spent much of the campaign without key goal threats Ivan Toney (suspension) and Bryan Mbuemo (injury).