FAN FOCUS: Lucas Mantese and Patricio Re

Our weekly fans feature this week comes from Argentina!
Fan Focus gives every member of the Jack Army a chance to share their favourite tales, games and goals from supporting the Swans over the years.
If you want to be involved in the feature, email jackwells@swanseacityfc.co.uk



Names: Lucas Mantese and Patricio Re
Ages: 21 and 22
Where you are from: Buenos Aires, Argentina

How long have you been supporting the Swans?
Although we had already seen several games of Swansea on TV in Argentina, the moment we truly fell in love with Swansea City was when we watched the 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium in January 2012.

What was your first Swans game?
The first game we watched at the Liberty was the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea in January 2013. After watching the Swans every weekend in Argentina, it was fantastic to see the club live. It was great to come over from Argentina again earlier this season to see the Swans against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The atmosphere the Jack Army create is one of the most beautiful things we've ever experienced.



Why did you start supporting the Swans?
The first thing about the Swans that really caught our attention was the way the club likes to play football. The club plays exciting football while keeping possession and treating the ball with respect. I think anyone who loves football has respect for Swansea's football philosophy. It's not something you see everyday.

What is your most memorable Swans moment?
The most memorable Swans moment for us is also a recent one. The Capital One Cup semi-final leg at Stamford Bridge when we beat Chelsea 2-0 was glorious. It was a game that led us to a historic final at Wembley. We can remember Danny Graham's goal like it was just yesterday. Amazing!



Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Very few times in our lifetimes have we witnessed such an atmosphere as the one we saw when Cardiff City visited the Liberty in the Premier League last season. It was Garry Monk's first game in charge, and winning the game in such a remarkable way makes it the best game we've seen at the Liberty.

Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Not because of its beauty, but because of what it meant to the club and the emotion it brought out in the fans, we would have to say Darren Pratley's goal against Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-offs in May 2011. That long-range effort was unbelievable and it helped take us to Wembley!

Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
The greatest sacrifice we've made would be to watch the Swans games in January. It was during our summer holidays in Argentina, so instead of going to sleep after going out with friends, we would stay up all morning (afternoon in the UK) in order to watch our beloved team play. We walked for over an hour just to find a TV that would enable us to watch the game. Win or lose, it was totally worth it.

Your typical pre-match ritual?
We have only one pre-match ritual. We would get together in either of our houses, both wearing Swansea shirts and enjoy watching the game while interacting with fellow supporters from around the world via our Twitter account @Swansea_Arg.



Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
That's a difficult one. So many names come to mind, but if we had to pick one, we would probably say Leon Britton - for many reasons. He's been a Swansea player for so long and always gives 100 per cent for the team. He has been a key player for the Swans over the years and is symbolic of how the club plays football. Special mentions also go to our countryman Fede Bessone and, more recently, Fede Fernandez. We will always have special admiration for both of them for obvious reasons.

Favourite current player?
It's very hard for us to pick one. Shelvey, Britton and Williams are all definite candidates, but we have a soft spot for Angel Rangel. He is a legend and still plays like one!

Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
Without question, the red, white and green away kit from our centenary year.



If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Matias Kranevitter - a young player from River Plate. From the first moment we saw him, we cannot stop hoping that we will one day see him playing at Liberty. His resemblance to Britton's style of football is remarkable.

Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Probably the away leg at Napoli in the Europa League last season. After a great first game at the Liberty and de Guzman's equaliser, we had such high hopes. We still dream about Higuain's goal and Reina and Rafael's saves. We cannot believe how close we were.