Charlie Patino | The gaffer wants goals and assists and I'm pleased to contribute
Charlie Patino relished a more advanced role as his goal helped Swansea City secure FA Cup victory over Morecambe in head coach Luke Williams’ first game in charge.
The Arsenal-loanee was lively throughout the 2-0 third-round win, drawing a good stop from Adam Smith in the first half, before scoring the opener when he tucked away Sam Parker’s cross less than two minutes into the second half.
He had a chance for a second shortly after, as he continued to provide an attacking and creative threat for the Swans.
Patino revealed playing further forward was something he and new Swans' boss Williams had discussed ahead of the game, and again at half-time, and he felt the change played a role in his goal and performance.
“On Friday, the gaffer was saying that from a number eight or an attacking midfielder he wants goals and assists and to get in the box,” he said.
“I found myself in an area where I could make the box. It was a great delivery from Sam and I slotted it in.
“A couple of minutes later, I could have scored a header so I was just putting myself in the best possible position to try to get goals and assists, because that’s important for an attacking midfielder.
“Getting on the ball is also important because I feel I can create things. At half-time we tweaked a few things, the gaffer wanted me higher in the pockets where I can impact things more and didn’t want me dropping too deep.
“And then Matt Grimes, with his quality, and Joe (Allen), when he was playing through the lines and getting it out to Yannick or Pato and making the half-space, I think that was good. We created connections on the pitch and hopefully we can continue that.”
Patino also spoke of the positive initial impressions he has of Williams, as well as new assistant head coach Ryan Harley and first-team coach analyst George Lawtey.
“I really like the gaffer and his staff. As the days and weeks go on he’s going to organise the team and make us hard to beat in and out of possession. I’m looking forward to that," he added.
“Obviously, it was a difficult start to the season but we grew into it and Alan Sheehan did a fantastic job. Now with Luke and his staff ,and we’ve still got Sheezy and Kris (O'Leary) and Marge (Martyn Margetson), so I think we’ll become a hard team to beat."
The victory over Morecambe also saw the Swans keep a clean sheet, with Morecambe rarely threatening Andy Fisher's goal.
“It was a different opposition and we had to be aware of their strengths like long throws and corners. I think that was the only way they were going to cause us problems,” added Patino.
“Three wins in a row at home is good for the confidence of the players and the fans.
“But it’s nice to score and be through to the next round, and now we can turn our focus to Birmingham.
“Obviously we’re away next week, but we’ll want to put on a show for the supporters who follow us. They come with us home and away and we’re really grateful for their support.”