Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said he was delighted with the way his players trained this week before he sent them on a four-day break.
The Bees do not have a game this week due to international fixtures.
The players trained on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – following a 3-1 win over Reading last Saturday – and then had four days off, unless they had an injury or were needed for a Development Squad fixture against Huddersfield Town.
Mark, speaking to Bees Player earlier this week, said the players were in good shape physically and he wanted to give them time off rather than playing a friendly fixture.
Brentford used the same tactic during the last break and beat Brighton and Hove Albion when they returned.
Mark said his players deserved the rest and would return to training next week ahead of an away game against Wigan Athletic next Saturday.
“The players have worked very hard,” said the Brentford boss.
“I am delighted with their application; there is good character in the group.
“They put themselves through the mill and look forward to a four-day break.
“The boys have good fitness levels, we have seen that in games and we receive good data every day.
“Some teams play friendlies but I want to give the players good quality time with their families.
“They put the work in, get that done and enjoy the break.
“They will return on Monday and look ahead to Wigan.
“The last break was a trial, we performed well against Brighton and we were happy.
“If we have to tweak things we will.
“The players deserve the break.
“We are in a good position in the table, we always drive forward and it could be better, everyone knows that, but we are in good shape.”
Brentford climbed to tenth in the Sky Bet Championship after the Reading win.
The Bees are only four points off the top of the table after the win, secured by goals from Jota, Alex Pritchard and Jonathan Douglas.
Immediately after the win Mark said Brentford had been below their best.
He said if his team produced consistent performances they would be in good shape.
“We are analysing a 3-1 win over Reading, a high-quality team and one of the favourites to go up,” said Mark.
“We are looking to improve; the group wants to get better.
“We are 11 games in and if we can maintain consistency we will be in good shape.
“We had to find our belief in the first two or three games this season.
“There were certain moments in those games where we got that self-belief.
“Self-belief and desire is key, now we seek consistency.
“If we drop our standards then you pay the price.”
Mark said the players had set targets for groups of games and had met them.
The international fixtures gave natural breaks and Brentford play six more matches in three weeks before the next one.
“The players set the targets, they think about it, look at the schedule and come back,” said Mark.
“Games come thick and fast now after the break.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this league.
“Consistency of performance is key.
“We are four points off the top and we are picking holes.
“We are in good nick.”
Brentford’s next match is against Wigan and they will face former boss Uwe Rösler.
“We want to go there and put in a good performance,” said Mark.
“We will work hard next week.
“The preparation will be the same, it is another game.
“I am sure everyone will say they are favourites.
“We will go there and see what we can do.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Mark Warburton here.