Yoann Barbet knows Brentford have to be better defensively, if they are to finish in the top six of the Championship next season.

The Bees scored 75 goals last year, which was one more than promoted Brighton and nine more than play-off winners Huddersfield.

However, they also conceded 65, which was the same as relegated Blackburn, and, if the west Londoners are going to be spraying champagne next May, they must tighten up at the back.

Barbet said: “For the team, we need to concede less goals as we scored a lot and conceded a lot. If we can score the game and concede less we can be higher in the league.

“We have to be better defensively. We conceded a lot of goals. For me, just to play more games as I want to be in the line-up more and have a full season that will be good for me.”

Pre-season has been positive for the Bees, who have done a sterling job in the transfer market as well, and Barbet revealed that confidence is high in the camp.

He added: “I think it's been a good three or four weeks. We went to France and had a hard week. It was hard work and we've had a lot of new signings and they are all good players.

“We have more midfielders. If you want to go as high as we want to be. I think it's good having quality players in the group.

“I think we played really well against Southampton. The second half was harder and we gave away a bad goal. I think it's good to draw against a top Premier League team.”

Yoann Barbet celebrates his opener against QPR

Brentford were excellent for 60 minutes against the Saints but were slack at the start of the second half and, while Barbet was happy with the overall display, he knows it can only be better.

He explained: “We believe we can perform better. We did really well in the first half and then started the second half sloppy.

“With the new signings and everything, we can be much better. It's pre-season and we're having games every three games. We're ready for the start of the season. We're fresh to be better at the start of the second half.”

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