Clement: We'll relish Wembley challenge

14th September
First team

Paul Clement is relishing the prospect of a trip to Wembley as Swansea City bid to upset Tottenham Hotspur.

The Swans have a miserable record against Tottenham in the Premier League era, having won none and lost 10 of their 12 encounters at this level.

The Swans have never triumphed in an away league fixture against Spurs in almost 90 years of trying, and will be given little chance of wiping that statistic out this weekend.

But while he acknowledges that Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be difficult opponents, Clement is urging his players to travel with belief.

“It’s going to be a hard game for us, there’s no question about that,” the Swans manager said.

“But I think it’s an exciting game for us. We’re going to England’s national stadium to play in front of a massive crowd against one of the best teams in the country.

“We have gone away from home recently against some very good sides, played well and picked up some valuable points.

“There’s no reason why we can’t do that again on Saturday.”

The Swans were left disappointed by their performance as they lost 1-0 at home to Newcastle United last Sunday.

But they are unbeaten on the road so far this season, having drawn at Southampton and then won at MK Dons – in the Carabao Cup – and Crystal Palace.

Spurs is the Swans’ toughest test yet, but Clement is taking heart from the togetherness his new-look squad are showing.

“I sense a good spirit within the group,” he said.

“That’s a very important part of what we do – it’s something we talk about a lot.

“With the new players coming in, it takes a bit of time for things to re-align and that’s something that’s going on at the moment.

“But I have a nice feeling about this group and I think it will get stronger.”