Keith Andrews Praises Brentford Progress as Bees Sit Seventh in Premier League

Brentford’s head coach Keith Andrews is feeling good about things. He’s been talking about player availability, the huge impact of midfielder Vitaly Janelt, and just how far the team has come this season. The Bees are sitting comfortably in 7th place in the Premier League, with 30 points after 20 games in early January 2026.

The club has been on a real upward trajectory. They’ve picked up 9 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses. That’s a solid mid-table spot, really, pushing for those European places. It’s an exciting time for Brentford supporters.

Squad Health and January Moves

Player availability has been a big topic. The festive schedule was brutal, but Brentford has managed it well. There aren’t any major, long-term injuries reported. That’s a testament to the club’s medical staff, I guess.

The January transfer window has been quiet for incoming players. No new faces have arrived. But, they have sent Iwan Morgan to Shrewsbury Town and Michael Olakigbe to Swindon Town on loan. It seems like a focus on developing young talent and trimming the squad. Andrews isn’t rushing any deals.

Andrews noted “a few minor injuries” from Tottenham but “nothing significant”; pre-Everton: “We were excellent. Personality, conviction, energy… consistency… taken good steps forward.” This was ahead of the Tottenham match, as ESPN reported. They’ve only lost 3 of their last 10 games.

Vitaly Janelt’s Crucial Impact

Vitaly Janelt, the 26-year-old German midfielder, is just so important to this Brentford team. He’s a cornerstone, really. Signed back in 2021 for about £2.5 million, he’s become this versatile, box-to-box player. Janelt assisted Thiago’s opener via interception/cross vs Everton and delivered key corne

Coach Andrews can’t speak highly enough of him. He said, “Vitaly has been immense this season. His energy in midfield drives our progression – he’s everywhere, winning balls and creating chances. Without him, we’d miss that balance. He’s loving it here and key to our top-half push.” Janelt’s contract runs until 2026, so keeping him is a priority. There’s apparently no talk of him leaving.

Vitaly has been immense this season. His energy in midfield drives our progression – he’s everywhere, winning balls and creating chances. Without him, we’d miss that balance. He’s loving it here and key to our top-half push.

Janelt himself feels it too. After the Tottenham draw, he apparently said, “The gaffer’s belief in me makes the difference. Scoring and assisting feels great, but team progression is the focus – we’re building something special.” It’s clear he’s bought into the whole thing.

Brentford’s Strong Progression

Brentford is really showing what smart recruitment can do. From being what some might call “mid-table battlers” to sitting 7th, that’s real progression. Coach Andrews isn’t looking for huge, expensive signings. It’s all about cohesion and developing what they have.

Andrews stated, “From mid-table battlers to 7th place – that’s progression. No big-money signings needed; it’s about smart recruitment and cohesion. January loans out show confidence in our youth, and we’ll only add if it fits perfectly.” This means they’re not panicking in the transfer market, unlike some other clubs. He said, “We’ll only sign fully committed players in January – no rushed deals.” It’s a good strategy, I think.

This quiet transfer window shows Andrews’ confidence. He believes in internal growth. They’re not like Aston Villa or Brighton, who are making moves. It’s a different approach entirely.

Recent Matches and What’s Next

The Bees started 2026 with a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur. That was on New Year’s Day. Vitaly Janelt actually went closest to scoring in that one, with a header saved by Vicario, according to Brentford FC’s official site. Andrews thought Brentford were the better team, too.

Then, just recently, Brentford absolutely smashed Everton, winning 4-2 at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Igor Thiago scored a brilliant hat-trick in that game. That victory pushed them up to 7th place. Andrews was delighted, saying, “I thought we played really well. We played with a lot of courage, personality and conviction.”

As of January 6, 2026, Brentford is looking really good. They’ve got momentum from that Everton win. The squad is healthy. Janelt is staying put, for now at least. They’re trailing leaders Arsenal by a fair bit, but they’re well ahead of the teams at the bottom. It seems like Andrews’ leadership is a big part of their success. They’re even hoping for a top-6 finish.