Damsgaard: My good relationship with Keith Andrews | OneFootball

Mikkel Damsgaard has spoken about his relationship with Brentford head coach Keith Andrews and the side's pre-season so far.

The Bees returned to Portugal on Saturday, having previously prepared for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign in the same location.

“It’s been really good," the midfielder said.

"I obviously knew Keith from before and we knew him as a really good guy. It’s been interesting to see him take on this new role.

“He and the staff have been really good so far.

“I worked pretty closely with him. He had the set-pieces last year and we did really well in that; we had a really good plus-minus at the end of the season.

“I was also doing some individual stuff with him after training, so I’ve always had a good relationship with him."

On returning to Portugal for this year's pre-season tour, Damsgaard added: "It’s really nice that we’re familiar with it and we know the routines here.

“Obviously it’s a bit different with a new head coach but it’s still similar. We know the area, we know the facilities and it makes it easier to settle into it. The facilities here are really good.

"We’ve only been here a few days but we’ve had some long days. We’re getting into shape for the new season."

Damsgaard's 2024/25 season saw him be named both the Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year in May.

The 25-year-old spoke about his hopes for the new campaign: "For me personally, it was a big step up in terms of the level, playing time and almost everything.

“In that sense, I was really happy, but also with the team’s performances. I think 10th in the Premier League is a good season as well. We were pushing and came close to chasing something bigger, for example, Europe.

“My focus is continuing what I did from last season and having the same focus and motivation to play good."