James Tarkowski said he was pleased to be able to have a few days rest over the International break following a hectic start to the Sky Bet Championship season.
James has started all-but-one of The Bees fixtures so far this campaign meaning the 21-year-old has played six games in 21 days.
With long trips to Rotherham United and Blackpool included in those six games it has been a physically demanding start to the season.
For James the international break has come at a good time as it gives him and the squad good time to train hard but also the ability to have a few days off to recharge the batteries.
Speaking to Bees Player earlier this week James said: “It was a tough training session today.
“We have to work hard to earn our days off.
“The gaffer has been pretty kind to us compared to other teams who probably won’t have the chance to get away.
“It is good for the lads to get refreshed and then look forward to the week after that.
“I am heading back up home.
“I haven’t had a chance to go back because of the intense period of games.
“I am going to see some family and friends and enjoy my days off and then get back down here fully refreshed for next week.”
The Bees have made a positive start to the season picking up eight points from their opening five games.
After an opening day draw against Charlton Athletic and the loss away at Bournemouth, The Bees have picked up seven points from their last three games with away wins at Blackpool and Rotherham United either side of a draw at home to Birmingham.
James has been pleased with the start that he and his teammates have made but feels that they could be sitting even higher up the league standings had things gone their way.
“I think we have done well in our games and given a good account of ourselves,” said James.
“We can probably look at a few games and think we could have got more out of them.
“You get punished more for your mistakes.
“We had the Charlton game and then with ten men against Birmingham we probably had the better chances there.
“We are happy with how we have started in the league, eight points out of 15 and we are up there at the top of the league.
“We can look to go into the next period of games, which are tough games, and get something out of that.”
Brentford secured their first clean sheet of the season last Saturday in the 2-0 win over Rotherham United.
James helped The Bees to nine clean sheets in 13 games at the end of last season and admits it was nice to notch their first clean sheet of the season last weekend.
While it is the three points that are always the most important James said as a defender it is always nice to prevent the opposition from scoring.
“As a defender you are always happy to keep a clean sheet,” said James.
“It is obviously about the result more than the clean sheet but as defenders that is what we look for.
“We were a bit unfortunate not to get clean sheets in other games.
“The first one was pretty comfortable although I know they hit the bar twice.
“We were always going to keep a clean sheet in that game.”