Marcondes confident of play-off final victory
Ahead of this evenings Championship play-off final, Emiliano Marcondes was in confident mood as he spoke about Brentford’s chances against Fulham.
“We are 3-0 up in the two games and I’m very confident saying that because I know we are the better team. We are so ready,” said Marcondes.
The Bees beat Fulham just six weeks ago in their first match back after the league restarted and defeated their West London rivals 1-0 in the home fixture in December. These victories have given the team the belief they can repeat their performances and seal a remarkable rise from League One to Premier League in just six seasons.
“I think Fulham are fearing us because we won against them two times now [this season] and they haven’t scored so I think it is going to be a magic night,” said the Danish midfielder.
The wait is over … Matchday is here#BrentfordFC #BREFUL pic.twitter.com/kNoGMEDX1A
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 4, 2020
Brentford missed out on automatic promotion by two points after defeat in their last two matches, losses that ended an eight-game winning streak. A first-leg 1-0 play-off loss to Swansea further halted the Bees promotion chances, but as is typical of the west London side Brentford fought back to win 3-2 on aggregate.
“We know we had the chance to go [up] directly, but it was our aim to get in the top six and play in the play-off and get to the final. So we are very ready” said Marcondes.
The lure of the Premier League is clear for all to see, “I’ve been watching the Premier League since I was a little kid and always dreaming about playing against the biggest teams,” Marcondes added. “I think right now it is the best league in the world, so it would also put me and the club as one of the best teams in the world.”
The confidence from Marcondes and Brentford is clear for all to see but what about a dreaded penalty shootout?
“We have been practicing [penalties] for two weeks now,” Marcondes added. “I am very confident, I have scored all my penalties so I am ready to take one.” However, the Dane was wisely not prepared to say whether he already knew where he would place it if has to step up, “I’m not going to tell you that!”
With the doors to Griffin Park, Brentford’s home of 116 years now closed, will the new Brentford Community Stadium be hosting Championship or Premier League football next season? It is only a matter of hours until we find out, but Marcondes is confident of the latter: “I think we are favourites. We have won twice against them this season so I don’t see why we shouldn’t be favourites.”
