The amazing thing about Swansea is while there has been management change in recent years, the evolution, identity and ethos of the team’s style has largely remained the same. Can you explain how this has happened?
Huw Jenkins! Even when pundits and reporters stated that we should alter our approach, Jenkins stuck true to appointing the right man at the helm, who understands the importance of the way we play, to take us forward, something every manager has done since Roberto Martinez. Our style of play does not allow us to carry any players, no-one can go missing for spells and it is important that forward players track back to help out defensively and likewise, our fullbacks link effectively with wingers in support of attacks. Additionally, Swansea is not a club about big names, big money signings, and the majority of players that we bring in are hungry, talented players who believe in the Swansea philosophy, want to prove themselves and do their best for the club.
Is there any visible differences in Swansea under Gary Monk? Has he brought anything unique to the Swans as a boss?
A very humble nature. I personally feel that he has assembled the strongest squad that we have had since entering the top flight. We have a great balance of mesmeric, free-flowing football, and a gritty side with a more physical edge.
Obviously he was a favourite with Swan fans during his playing days, how have they taken to him as a manager?
The respect we have for him continues to grow. An almost seamless transition into management and everyone is willing for him to succeed, not just for the gain of the Swans. He is a great man, one who instantly commands respect and we want to see him become the best manager that he possibly can be. We are very proud of him, he’s one of our own!
Life after the period covered in Jack to A King has been pretty good for Swansea fans, as well as becoming an established force in the Premier League, the obvious highlight must have been winning the League Cup. After the semi-final draw was made, most Villa fans expected to be in that final, while perhaps a lot of Swans fans faced with taking Chelsea on over two legs, perhaps didn’t. Would you agree winning that semi rubber-stamped Swansea as a legit force in the league? Any stories to tell from that semi?
Most definitely. I think we had already done a lot to prove our credentials but this solidified our place and I think it was after this win I first heard someone refer to us as an established Premier League side.
Of course one of the main talking points was the ball-boy incident which initially overshadowed our feat but it really was impressive and again, Swans fans were left in awe of our club’s magnificent achievements. Away from the game, I remember it snowed that day, I travelled down from Stoke-on-Trent to attend, after the match I walked out of the ground and slipped like Bambi on ice and miraculously ended up at the door of the pub opposite the ground! We celebrated the win very well!
What was that Wembley experience like for you emotionally, compared to the playoff final at Wembley? Obviously the Swans were big favourites for the League Cup final…
It was a lot calmer, there was a lot less tension and far fewer tears. The final itself was a bit of an anti-climax but the pride we felt, having beaten Chelsea in the semi, was incredible. Nothing will ever eclipse the feelings of pride and elation felt when the Swans were promoted to the Premier League. Since beating Reading, I have always maintained that not even my wedding day or the birth of my first child could possibly be better!
What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the current team?
Strengths – The pace and skill of Montero on the wing and the link up play between our forwards, so fluent. The quality of our passing along with the work that our players do off the ball to regain possession.
Weakness – Defending set pieces. Our inability to finish teams off and our wastefulness, when we don’t convert opportunities and make our dominance in possession count.
Swansea are looking good for a top-half finish, highlights of the season so far for you?
Beating Arsenal at home. To come from 1-0 down to get three points in the manner that we did was incredible. It was our most convincing and complete performance of the season so far.
Do you think Bony’s absence over January will impact on the Swans, as he’ll certainly be a big loss?
It will, however I personally think that midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng will be an even bigger loss as he heads off to captain South Korea at the Asian Cup.
Whilst Bony remains the top scorer in the Premier League in 2014, he has squandered a number of great opportunities over recent weeks and should have added many more to his tally. It’ll hopefully allow Gomis the chance to prove his worth and I fully expect to see goals come from other outlets.
Ki has added a lot of grit and steel to our midfield, with numerous important interceptions as well as being a quality ball player and offering us an aerial presence. It’ll be difficult to fill the void he leaves.
Do you look at Aston Villa as a potential three points nowadays? And why?
Whilst I think it’s important that we don’t get carried away and I do still see this as a difficult fixture, I feel relatively confident that we can win on Friday.
Having said that, although we got 3 points from the fixture last season, we don’t tend to do so well against sides managed by Paul Lambert. He knows how to set his teams up to face us by allowing us little time on the ball and pressuring us deep in our own half.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’ve been to Villa Park a couple of times this season while we’ve been suffering as fans, what were your observations/experiences as a neutral of Villa and Villa Park?
I have! Most recently for the Villa v Man City game. I was impressed with Villa in the first half but against a side like City it was understandable that they could not sustain the pressure and same standard of football for 90 mins. I do think that there are a few areas that Villa need to strengthen, mainly at full back and out wide but they play some decent football and I enjoy watching them.
Villa Park is my favourite Premier League ground. The character, history and the Holte End! I’ll definitely be paying many more visits in the New Year!
If you could have one Villa player in the Swansea team, apart from Benteke, who would it be?
That’s a difficult one as I am a big fan of Agbonlahor, Vlaar and Guzan! I’d happily take all three…
Prediction for the game?
I’m going to go 2-1 Swansea.
Thanks again to Abi. You can follow her on Twitter at @swanabi
Jack To A King on Twitter at @Jacktoakingfilm
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