Brentford star details dressing room feeling ahead of Premier League run-in

Brentford ace Keane Lewis-Potter insists his side are not feeling extra pressure of being European contenders.

The Bees have lost their sting with an incredible five straight draws and no victories since February.

They still remain very much in the running to cap a great season by qualifying for a European competition for the first time in their 137-year history.

Fan expectation has risen thanks to Keith Andrews’ remarkable first campaign in charge but their charge has stalled with Saturday’s West London derby lacking their usual attacking fluency.

Yet Lewis-Potter, one of the Premier League’s unsung heroes, is still backing Brentford to get things right in the remaining games. And he insists they remain extremely relaxed behind the scenes.

The ex-Hull utility man said: “The team and playing staff are all cool and calm-headed. It's all about what is inside the training ground - not outside. That's all we can do.

“We are frustrated with the result, we deserved to win the game and they did not have a single shot on target. It's been a tough month. We go into games hoping to win and when we don't get three points it's hard to take.

“But it's a point on the board and the main thing is we're not losing. Obviously there are games to play. We can only take one game at a time and see where we end.

“We need that win definitely. That’s the most important thing for us - to start winning games again. You don't know where the next win is going to come so you have to take each game at a time and try our hardest.”

Brentford certainly had the better of Saturday’s chances against their West London rivals.

But 21-goal top scorer Igor Thiago was kept quiet by a solid Fulham defence who had keeper Bernd Leno to thank for a late wonder save to deny Dango Ouattara. Much could depend on big away games still to play.

The Bees have a wait until their next game at Manchester United next Monday while a trip to Liverpool completes this season – potentially make-or-break fixtures.

Lewis-Potter, who impressed in the left back slot, said: “There are some massive games left. We play some of the biggest teams in England and are looking forward to it.

“We will have no break though, we will be heading straight back to the training ground and working hard. We have a big game against Manchester United and full focus will be on that.”

How ever Brentford finish the season, boss Andrews is surely a contender for manager of the season.

Ironically it was predecessor Thomas Frank who returned to Brentford for the first time on Saturday to watch the game. But Andrews has taken on the work of the Dane to another level with the Bees looking the part against the elite.

Lewis-Potter, 25, added: “The manager’s been great, you can see on the pitch how organised we are and how well we are doing. Full credit goes to him.”