Boss: We are making progress

6th January
First team

Carlos Carvalhal declared himself pleased with his players – and the fans – after Swansea City’s goalless draw at Wolves in round three of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Swans and Wolves must replay at the Liberty Stadium to decide who progresses to round four after today’s stalemate at Molineux.

Both sides had chances to win it, with Martin Olsson and Wilfried Bony going closest for the Swans.

But the biggest talking points were a pair of red cards, with Wolves’ Ruben Vinagre sent off on 40 minutes before Leroy Fer got his marching orders midway through the second half.

Carvalhal was unhappy with the Fer dismissal, but was satisfied with his team’s effort as they held Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form Wolves side.

“I am very pleased with our players because of the attitude and their commitment, and in parts of the game we played with quality,” said the Swans boss.

“We were up against a strong team who have been working under a coach since the beginning of the season and are playing with a good dynamic. They are in completely different circumstances to us.

“As you know, we arrived two days before the Watford game. Then we had three days before Tottenham, then four days before this game.

“We are recovering, trying to prepare the team and introducing a new formation and new dynamic.

“We are introducing a lot of new things, but the players’ attitude has made me very happy and we got a clean sheet here, which is important.

“In the three games so far we won at Watford, then against Tottenham we could win and in normal circumstances we would never lose that game.

“Today we got a draw and we have another chance to get to the next round next week at home.

“I am very pleased with our players so far and also let me tell you about our fans, because we felt their presence here and in the other games.

“We are happy and we are progressing although we know we have a lot of work to do.”

Carvalhal acknowledged that next weekend’s Premier League trip to Newcastle carries much greater significance than the Wolves replay.

Nevertheless, he feels his team will take confidence from any success they enjoy in the cup, including this afternoon’s shutout against the Championship leaders.

As for the Fer red, a frustrated Carvalhal felt referee Anthony Taylor had made the wrong call.

“I didn’t see their red card. My staff say it’s a clear red but I didn’t see it so I cannot give my opinion,” he said.

“Our red card is a classic yellow card. It’s a ball in the midfield, it’s not a dangerous situation near the goal.

“It’s a foul from the back, but it is not a kick. There is no aggression, it’s a normal yellow card.

“I think we can appeal red cards. We will analyse the details and it’s possible we will appeal.”