Despite narrowly missing out on European football on the final day of the Premier League season, Keith Andrews is excited about the future and believes Brentford will be "better next year."
Brentford travelled to Liverpool knowing they needed a first Premier League win at Anfield, coupled with favours from elsewhere, to clinch a European spot.
They got their helping hands, with Chelsea and Brighton both losing, but Brentford finished in ninth, behind the Seagulls on goal difference, after a 1-1 draw on Merseyside.
Curtis Jones opened the scoring just before the hour mark, but it took Kevin Schade – who was denied one-v-one by Alisson in the first half – just six minutes to head in an equaliser.
Dango Ouattara missed a golden opportunity to win it late on, planting a header wide, but Brentford still enjoyed a stellar campaign, having lost manager Thomas Frank and several key players last summer.
They lost just 13 Premier League games this season; across their nine previous top-flight campaigns, only in 2022-23 did they suffer fewer defeats (nine).
But draws were Brentford's issue – they drew seven of their 10 Premier League games after the start of March (L2) – though Andrews remains optimistic about what they can do in 2026-27.
"We have it all. Everyone can see that," Andrews told Sky Sports.
"We had to suffer a bit in the first half, but we came back onto it in the second half and threw everything at it.
"It was a must-win for us if we wanted to get into Europe. We're coming to Anfield, and we're disappointed we haven't won. That shows a lot about our season.
A draw on the final day pic.twitter.com/iKm5frZFsZ
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) May 24, 2026
"We stabilised, and it took a lot of hard work and a lot of tough decisions. We needed to come together stronger than ever. Everyone has given absolutely everything.
"I'm excited because we'll be better next year."
Jordan Henderson returned to Anfield on what was an emotional day as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both bid farewell to Liverpool.
The former Reds captain was also given a warm reception from the home fans, as he received a stadium-wide ovation when he was substituted off in the second half.
"It was emotional for everyone. We had a job to do in trying to come here and win the game to try to qualify for Europe," he told Sky Sports.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't get it over the line with the chance at the end. I thought we deserved it this season, but football can be cruel.
"The whole season, the lads have given everything. It's been a very good season for us.
"Coming back here was emotional for me. The reaction when I went off was incredible; I had goosebumps. It was nice to come back and see the fans. My family is here.
"It was always a tough ask to come here and win. To get so close and not quite get over the line is tough to take. We have to kick on again next year."