Boss braced for tour tests

21st July
Pre-season

Graham Potter is expecting some tricky tests on Swansea City’s pre-season tour as his team get set for the new Championship campaign.

The Swans face their first league game of 2018-19 when they go to Sheffield United in a fortnight’s time.

A big part of their preparation work ahead of the trip to Bramall Lane will take place over the next week in Germany and Austria.

The Swans play for the Interwetten Cup today, with 60-minute games against Serie A side Genoa (1pm UK time) and German second-tier hosts FC Magdeburg (2.15pm UK time).

They then travel to Austria for friendlies against Spanish top-tier club Eibar on Tuesday and FC Freiburg, of the Bundesliga, on Friday.

And Potter admits the Swans can expect more demanding examinations having played their first two pre-season games against League Two sides Yeovil Town and Newport County.

“I have been happy with the attitude of the boys and what they are trying to do,” said the Swans boss, whose squad touched down in Germany yesterday.

“But we know there are bigger tests to come as we move forward and build towards the start of the season.

“I am pleased with the way the group is working.

“It looks as though players want to show what they can do whenever they get on the pitch. They want to play and that’s a positive for us.”

The Swans have taken 27 players on tour, with Kristoffer Nordfeldt back in the fold after his World Cup exploits with Sweden.

Potter has indicated that they will all play a part in the friendly fixtures, although Leroy Fer is not in contention as he continues his recovery from a long-term Achilles injury.

 

*We are looking to bring you live coverage of this afternoon's tournament right here on swanseacity.com, subject to us receiving the relevant feeds from our German TV provider. Visit swanseacity.com just before 1pm to watch the action.