Thomas Frank spoke to the media at London Stadium after our 3-0 win against West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Here's what he had to say...
Q1: The game started slowly but did you get everything you wanted from it in the end?
Thomas: "I agree. I think the first 15 to 20 minutes was even, not too much happened, but then I think we really grew into it and the last 20 or 25, something like that, I think we dominated and created a lot of good opportunities without having too many big, big chances. We had really a lot of dangerous situations and we know in football sometimes it's also about getting closer and closer and closer and then suddenly there's that opening where you can score. West Ham defended very well first half. It was difficult to get the clear-cut chances, but when we got it to Xavi and Mo on the sides and played and run, produced crosses, you know, either in-swing or overlap and so on, and a lot of corners where we also were very dangerous. So, happy that the goal came second half because you never know, the momentum can change after half-time but we kept going and scored a good goal after and then 3-0, done. So, a very good, clear win, a good performance. We all know the derby and the importance of the game for the fans and I think it's a testament to the boys and the group - we haven't won here in six years. It shows everything how difficult it is to play here and now we won 3-0 today. I think that's impressive."
You used your squad today with Tuesday in mind, how encouraging is it that you can use it and get a result?
"I think it's extremely important. It's important that I trust my players. Of course, they need to perform and train well and show the right attitude and all that, but they do and they train well. So, I have the privilege to, for example, rest Rodri. Of course, he could have played today, but he played two 90 minutes, he landed (from South America) Thursday morning. So, I'm not too worried about this, but what about Tuesday? What about the next one? And they can't play 70 games, all of them, all the time. Rodri is a key player for us. Richy is the same. He could have started but also played in 4,000m height against Bolivia and so on, and then others have done well. Lucas, look how he came on the pitch, and how he performed as well. I think Mathys, very impressive, the performance was maybe not through the roof, but it was very solid, I would say 7/10, worked hard, pressing, constant pressing, and that's very good also. You know he's not in the Champions League squad. I'm very happy with the squad."
With Lucas Bergvall, do you see him as a goalscoring midfielder?
"Yes. First and foremost I think his performance was good today. I really like his energy, his pressing skill, his enthusiasm. I think he drags the team with him, in a kind of way, and there's so much he can learn and improve. So, I think that's promising as well. Fantastic goal. Well-timed run. Top ball from Romero. And a well-executed header."
What did you make of Xavi Simons' debut?
"I think he was promising. I liked what I saw from him. I liked that he took initiative on the ball. Every single time he had the ball he tried to create something. And I think he had a wonderful assist for the first goal from a corner. Worked hard as well. I think it was a good first game."
With Joao Palhinha, is he 100% sharp?
"No, some players hit the ground running in a season. I think we need to... even though he's played in the Premier League before - it's still a new club, a new coach, crazy new ideas from the coach, all those things. And then he had a little disjointed pre-season because he played at the Club World Cup (for Bayern Munich), without playing too many games, or barely any. So, I think he will grow and be better. Happy again with his performance today. Solid. He just gives the team that structure and solidity."
A third clean sheet, how important is that?
"It's hugely important that we are good defensively. Obviously, we want to score, we want to play forward, want to play offensive football, we've scored eight goals, clearly we want to score goals, but over so many, many games, that foundation, being able to get clean sheets is key. It's something we worked very hard on throughout the pre-season. The players deserve a lot of praise. All the coaches. And especially Matt Wells, that really drives that. And I have a big, big, big focus. I said that's the first aim when I walked in the building."