Janelt 'very proud' to captain Brentford against Brighton

Vitaly Janelt said he was “very proud” to captain Brentford against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night but expressed his frustration at the Bees’ 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls. Bryan Mbeumo put Brentford in front from the penalty spot midway through the first half after Janelt was fouled by Jan Paul van Hecke, but Pascal Groß equalised five minutes later and Jack Hinshelwood completed the turnaround for the home side shortly after the break.

“We tried to do something different today, playing in a 4-4-2 shape, which is what we did against them in the US during pre-season,” Janelt began.

“Today we did well in some spells, but in some spells they were on top and showed us how to play.

“We had a big opportunity [which fell to Yoane Wissa before Brighton’s second goal] and if we scored that, it would have made a huge difference.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t get any points today, but we have to look ahead.”

Having filled in at left-back in recent weeks, Janelt returned to midfield against Brighton.

And the German insisted he will do his best to perform wherever head coach Thomas Frank decides to put him.

“I’m a smart player, I have knowledge on the pitch, so it’s not that hard for me to adapt,” he said.

“If the gaffer needs me to play at left-back, I’ll do that; if he needs me to be in midfield, I’ll be there.”