Riza Durmisi has told Goal.pl that he’s still unhappy with his decision to reject Brentford earlier in his career.
The 30-year-old graduated from Brøndby IF’s academy and after spending three years with their first team, he joined Real Betis in 2016. During his time at the Danish club, he played under Thomas Frank’s orders.
Frank initially joined Brentford as an assistant manager in December 2016 and was then promoted to their first team manager in October 2018. The Bees tried signing the left-back when Frank was Dean Smith’s assistant.
The former Denmark international spent five years at Lazio before he was released last summer. He was without a club for six months before joining Polish side ŁKS Łódź earlier in this window.
Durmisi gave a lengthy interview to Goal.pl, where he also explained the importance of the Brentford boss in his career.
When asked about the best manager he’s had so far, he said: “Hard to say. I had some famous coaches. I spent most of my time with Thomas Frank. He coached me for 3 years in the youth teams, then he was my coach in the Brøndby first team. I can say that he is like a father to me. Or more of a father-friend than a coach.
“I know his philosophy. He’s a great football enthusiast. I see football in a similar way. And if you’re asking about the best, he was the best for me.”
When asked if he expected Frank to reach so far in his career, the Dane revealed about his failed move to Brentford.
“Everyone knew he was heading towards being a great coach. It’s a shame I didn’t join Brentford when I had the opportunity,” Durmisi explained.
“I should have done it, but it wasn’t the best time because the club was in the Championship and aspired to play in the Premier League. I didn’t want to take a step back then. But when I look in the mirror, I think that I should then decide on this transfer.”
