Amat: Plenty to be positive about
25th October
Despite being denied victory by a last-gasp penalty, Jordi Amat feels Swansea City have plenty to be positive about from their European adventure so far.
Michael Laudrup's side remain top of Group A following the 1-1 home draw with Russian side Kuban Krasnodar on Thursday night.
Djibril Cisse's spotkick in stoppage time meant the Swans failed to make it three wins from three in the Group Stages.
A home clash with Valencia is wedged between trips to Russia and Switzerland, where the Swans finish their group campaign against St Gallen.
And the Spanish Under-21 defender revealed the camp is positive as they look to qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.
"It was very disappointing because we were seconds away from another win, but in Europe it is very important not to lose games too, so we can't allow ourselves to be too negative about the overall picture," said the Spaniard.
"After three games we are top. It is important to remember that.
"At the start of the tournament we would have been very happy to be top after three games.
"We have three very important games to come in the group, but now we know a lot more about our opponents - in particular St Gallen and Kuban Krasnodar.
"There have been a few lessons learned from mistakes made in those games, so we can use that to help us qualify.
"We have a difficult trip to Russia up next in Europe. We know that if we win that game then we are very close to qualification."
Amat, who made his tenth appearance in all competitions against Kuban on Thursday, believes the club's European exploits are already beginning to benefit the squad.
Having already travelled to Sweden and Romania in the qualifying rounds before an unforgettable trip to the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, the Swans now face journeys to Russia and Switzerland.
Amat added: "When you play against different teams and experience atmospheres in other countries it can make you a stronger footballer.
"There are players who are going away with their nations and playing in different countries, but you also learn a lot by playing for your club in other countries too. It's invaluable.
"By the end of this Group Stage, we will have benefited a lot from that and it will be good for both the player himself and the team."
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