Flekken’s making his mark
BRENTFORD goalkeeper Mark Flekken has thrived in the “challenge” of adapting to life in England.
The Netherlands international will end his debut season with the Bees in today’s meeting with Newcastle.
And he says there is more to come from him at the club.
Flekken, 30, replaced David Raya as Brentford’s No.1 following his move to Arsenal, but said: “It’s been exactly what I expected, but I didn’t think that it would take me as long to adapt.
“It’s been a challenge I have enjoyed and loved. It makes you stronger and better as a player and as a person.”
The keeper has hailed the impact of head coach Thomas Frank and his staff.
Flekken said: “The manager has been massive. You run out of words to describe the trust that both he and the staff have shown.
“People have stuck with me when it wasn’t an easy time.
“It’s an environment that allows people to be honest, open and make mistakes which you can learn from and grow.
“You analyse things in a calm and professional way and that has helped me a lot.
“It has kept me confident and has definitely allowed me to reach a level that I knew I was capable of.”
This has been a campaign of mixed fortunes for Brentford, winning just 10 games, though they have avoided relegation by a considerable margin.
And Flekken says his first year in the Premier League has given him plenty to build on.
“The second half of the season was better for me, for sure,” he said.
“But I wouldn’t say the fans have seen the best of me and I still think there is more to come.
“I feel like I have finally found my place in the side and I think that has shown on the pitch.
“I hope I can bring more of those performances next season over the whole year and add an extra level on top of that.”