by Michael Wicherek
SWANSEA City boss Carlos Carvalhal told the media he feels ‘more confidence between the players and staff’ as they look to continue their positive run – one defeat in five games – against Liverpool on Monday night.
At his weekly press conference, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss praised his players’ commitment and attitude since he took over and claimed that fans could have no complaints with any individual not giving their maximum. He was also keen to point out that the team was making fewer mistakes.
“We made mistakes and game by game we don’t make these now, more aspects are getting better and better. When we win the confidence is high, the faces of the players are different,” he said.
Carvalhal had special praise for midweek scorer Jordan Ayew, who scored a superb individual goal in the Swans win over Wolves in the FA Cup third round replay.
The Portuguese manager believes Ayew is playing with much more confidence as he is more comfortable playing further forward in their current system.
“He is a fighter and after that you have quality, he is doing exactly what we want.”
He said the players must have self-belief if they are to avoid dropping into the Championship. With results clearly improving, the boss believes the players are showing that they are better than their league position suggests.
“What I try to do is make them believe, like me. When we say we believe we must feel it from the heart and mean it.”
Looking ahead to the Liverpool game, the 52-year-old was understated when asked how Swansea were going to deal with Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino. He said Swansea will try to make life difficult for Liverpool whilst trying to explore their very few weak points.
“If we only focus on the opponent then we will not play ourselves,” he said, suggesting that his side will not be ‘parking the bus’ on Monday night.
Lastly, Carvalhal was coy on transfer activity, but was keen to tell fans that the club were trying to improve the team and not sell their best players. The manager refused to mention any potential names of transfer targets, but did say the club were fighting to bring in the best players. He made it clear that it is crucial that any new signing must be a good fit for the club and improve the team dynamic.
Bottom of the table Swansea face Jurgen Klopp’s high-flying Liverpool on Monday night in what Carvalhal described as a ‘David v Goliath’ encounter.
(Feature Image: Swansea City FC)
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