Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has slammed the decision to stage three matches during the upcoming international break, adding to an already jam-packed fixture schedule.

Bees boss Frank will lose several players who will play for their country over the next fortnight, before immediately returning to league action with a trip to Wycombe on November 21st. 

The nonstop nature of this year’s football season has seen a number of players in the physio’s room this campaign, with Pontus Jansson and Shandon Baptiste among those currently out of action for the Bees. 

There will be no relenting once the domestic game resumes later in the month either, with last season’s beaten playoff finalists playing midweek matches every week until the end of the year. 

That means a manic stretch of 12 matches in 38 days, leaving Frank clueless as to why the more international fixtures are being scheduled, as well as a lack of substitutions for league matches.

“It’s crazy,” he said. “I don’t know why the national teams are playing three games. I simply don’t understand how they can play a friendly. It makes no sense.

“Who is taking these decisions? They probably don’t understand the game.

“I hope the EFL and Premier League soon is going to change it and we’re going to have five subs. I think that’s crucial.

“Spain have five subs, France, Germany, Holland, Turkey, Denmark – all the European leagues, national teams and then the country of mother football, we don’t.

“The best league in the world, the Premier League, and the sixth best league in the world (Championship), the most relentless and physically challenging two leagues in the world don’t have five subs.”

Frank was talking after Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Tuesday night, which sees them extend their run to just one defeat in their last six matches. 

Ivan Toney continued his imperious run of form in front of goal with the opener at the Brentford Community Stadium, as the striker made it 11 goals in his last eight appearances after converting Mathias Jensen’s centre just after the half hour. 

The Bees couldn’t hold onto their lead though, as Andre Ayew popped up to meet Matt Grimes’ delivery 13 minutes from time to see the game end in a draw. 

The point leaves Brentford lingering just outside the playoff places in the Championship ahead of tonight’s fixtures, with Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough their last piece of action before the international break.

Despite losing the three points late on, Frank was pleased with the performance of his side against their high-flying opponents, despite believing his side didn’t hit top gear. 

"It was a good and interesting game between two sides who wanted to dominate and take the initiative,” the Dane said.

"I think both teams had their spells when they were on top and second half, I don't think we hit a good level.

"That happens sometimes, some games you just need to dig in and work hard, try and do your best, which I think the players did.

"We didn't play particularly well in the second half, but neither did Swansea. There was a lot of back and forth, but with their goal, we need to defend that better.”

“Then both teams tried to go for the win, which I like to see, so it was a fair result. Of course, when you are leading 1-0 then you prefer to win, but it was fair.”