Carvalhal: New faces can take us up a level

4th January
First team

Carlos Carvalhal reckons “two or three” January signings can take Swansea City up a level as they bid to secure Premier League survival.

Carvalhal is set to run the rule over some members of his current squad who he has not yet seen in action at Wolves this weekend before drawing up final transfer plans.

But after a week in the job, the new Swans boss already feels that a handful of additions can make a significant difference.

Carvalhal refused to reveal which areas of his team he wants to strengthen during the mid-season transfer window.

But after holding discussions with chairman Huw Jenkins, he is optimistic that some business can be done.

“I think to be a good team, we maybe need two or three players with quality,” Carvalhal said.

“I think we can change to another level, that’s my feeling, so let’s see if we can find those players we need.

“There are limits (on how much the Swans will spend). I understand this is a responsible club and the people don’t want to create a problem for the future of the club. When I came here I accepted this.

“It’s not easy, but we are trying with some players I have proposed. I know the club will do the maximum to bring in the players that I have requested.”

Carvalhal has confirmed that he will make changes to his side at Molineux on Saturday, where the Swans will battle it out with the Championship’s runaway leaders for a place in round four of the Emirates FA Cup.

The Portuguese is keen to have a look at all his players in a competitive game as he assesses his options for what remains of the season.

“What we try to do is get an opportunity to see all the players,” he explained.

“The market is open now and I must take decisions, so we must look at all players.

“Maybe some players who didn’t play so well in the past can shine with a new system and new coach, so we’ll try to give them all a chance.

“It’s natural that we will make some changes, but we must also respect the competition and the shirt we are wearing.

“It’s a good moment to get some more players involved to see if they can help us, but we will try to progress in the competition.”

The Swans have already been linked with a number of possible January recruits, but Carvalhal is refusing to discuss names.

“I have talked with the chairman this week and I think there will be another conversation after Saturday’s game,” he added.

“You will ask me about names, maybe one, two, three or four now and 100 by the end of the window.

“But I will not talk about players who do not play for my club. That has been a principle of mine throughout my career.

“We will try to bring in the best possible players and then I will talk about them.”

Carvalhal has also insisted that the finances of any transfer deals will not be dealt with by him.

“My job is not the money, I am a person who works in football,” he said.

“For example, I asked a friend at another club about a player who could be interesting yesterday.

“He said to me that there has been a lot of interest from the Premier League, but the player will probably go to China or another country. He told me about the price and it was astronomic.

“Probably we have the money for sardines and I am looking for lobsters or sea bass!

“But sometimes the sardines can be turned into lobsters or seabass. That is what we will try to do.”