Clement: Bony's desperate to impress

11th December
First team

Wilfried Bony is “desperate” to make a big impression when Swansea City take on Manchester City on Wednesday.

The striker is set for a first reunion with his former club when the Swans face Pep Guardiola’s runaway league leaders at the Liberty Stadium.

And boss Paul Clement has revealed how hungry Bony is to impress against the men from the Etihad.

Bony joined City from the Swans in a megamoney deal back in January 2015, but struggled to nail down a starting spot in Manchester.

After spending last season on loan at Stoke, the Ivory Coast star returned to Wales in August.

And having netted in successive matches, Bony is in fine form heading into the City clash.

“I asked Wilfried if he wanted a rest for this game and you can imagine the reaction I got,” Clement said.

“He was desperate to play and do well against Stoke and it’s the same again now.

“If you are asking, I would say his motivation to do well is 11 out of 10.

“He did so well when he was here at Swansea first time around. He then went to Manchester City and didn’t get to the level that he would have liked and it was the same at Stoke.

“Wilfried has a point to prove to lots of people.”

Following his deadline-day return to SA1, Bony’s impact was limited at first.

But he is looking stronger with each game he plays and is a key figure in Clement’s team.

“I think step by step, you can see his getting fitter and sharper,” Clement added.

“He produced a fantastic finish at Stoke and then he was clinical at a vital moment for the team on Saturday.

“He is definitely moving in the right direction. His overall fitness is miles better than it was when he arrived.

“He is playing well with his back to goal and he has also scored a couple of goals, so that’s positive.”

Bony has worn the captain’s armband in the Swans’ last four games in the absence of club skipper Angel Rangel and Federico Fernandez.

And Clement has been impressed by the 29-year-old’s leadership skills.

“He has embraced the captaincy,” he said.

“I was surprised he had not done it before because of the qualities he has.

“He said some great words in the dressing room before the West Brom game and he has led by example on the pitch as well.”

 

* Supporters are advised to arrive early for Wednesday’s game. The Liberty Stadium car parks will close 15 minutes prior to kick-off.

Landore park and walk is open and park and ride options from Felindre and The Rec near St Helen’s rugby ground are available.

The Jacks Zone will not open for this game.