Alan Sheehan | That was a night everyone at the club can be proud of

Swansea City head coach Alan Sheehan spoke of his pride in his players and the club as a whole after watching his side exit the Carabao Cup despite a terrific team display in defeat to Manchester City at the Swansea.com Stadium.

In front of a sell-out crowd in SA1, the Swans had stunned their star-studded visitors when Goncalo Franco sent the Jack Army into raptures by ending a flowing move by curling a superb strike into the top corner.

Melker Widell could have doubled the home side’s lead when he pounced on a loose pass and set off towards goal, but James Trafford managed to get fingertips to his strike.

Jeremy Doku’s deflected strike got City level at half-time, but the sides could not be separated until Omar Marmoush lashed home a rising strike 13 minutes from time, with Rayan Cherki adding the visitors’ third goal in stoppage time.

“I am proud of everyone connected with the football club tonight,” he said.

“The atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant, the fans were amazing. They are a top team, if not the best team for a long time now, but I am very proud of our team.

“In the first half I thought the way we kept our shape was incredible and how we pressed and were adaptable.

“We closed the spaces really well and when we attacked we scored a great goal, and then we had the second opportunity with Melker.

“We know you have to be perfect against a team like this, but I thought the players were outstanding and I am very proud of them.

“These cup nights have had some very special moments, we have tested ourselves against the best and there is a lot of pride we can take from this.”

Sheehan had been without Marko Stamenic for the clash with the Premier League side after the New Zealand international suffered a family bereavement, and the Swans boss said the thoughts of everyone at the club are with the midfielder.

“I spoke to Marko, he has had a family bereavement and just from myself and everyone at the club we send all our love and support to him and his family,” added Sheehan.

“Things like this put things in perspective, we have told him to take as long as he needs because it has to be family first here, and we all look after each other.

“Our thoughts are with him and his family.”