'Top two - why not?' - Why Sangare turned down top clubs for Brentford
Mamadou Sangare could have been playing Champions League football this week. After all, the signs point to him being an elite-level player.
Key points
- Mamadou Sangare turned down Champions League clubs to join Brentford in the summer.
- Sangare was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year after helping Lens finish second and win the French Cup.
- Brentford are fourth in the Premier League after six games and host Liverpool on Saturday.
Mamadou Sangare has revealed he rejected interest from major European clubs, including Champions League sides, to join Brentford last summer. The 24-year-old midfielder starred for RC Lens last season, helping them finish as Ligue 1 runners-up and win the French Cup, and was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Sangare told Sky Sports that Brentford was the best place for his development, citing the coach's desire to sign him as a key factor. He said he was not going to name the clubs out of respect but confirmed there were many.
Why he chose Brentford
Sangare said the decision to turn down bigger clubs was not difficult. He explained that just because a big club comes calling, it does not mean you have to say yes, and that he sees things differently from other players. He felt Brentford was the best option for a young player who still has to prove himself at a high level.
He also praised Brentford's detailed presentation to incoming players. Bryan Mbeumo had previously revealed how thorough the club's pitch can be, and Sangare said his experience was exactly the same. He described the approach as incredible and something he had never seen before, adding that it pushed him to choose the club.
Why can't we also reach the top four, or the top two? Why can't we cause a real surprise?
— Mamadou Sangare
Recent bench role and ambitions
Despite a strong start that included two assists on his Premier League debut against Tottenham, Sangare has started the last two games against Chelsea and Aston Villa on the bench. He is competing with Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen for a midfield spot. Sangare said he has not spoken much about it with the coach, stressing that the team is what matters most.
Sangare averages the most tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League and only Manchester City's Elliot Anderson has won more ground duels. Brentford are unbeaten in the league and sit fourth after six games. Sangare said the goal is to reach Europe and win as many games as possible, and asked why Brentford cannot reach the top four or top two.
