Fernandez lets his football do the talking

Adapting to life in a foreign country provides many challenges, but Federico Fernandez is making the right noises at Swansea City.
The defender, a World Cup runner-up with Argentina earlier this year, is enjoying the experience of his time in a new club, city and league.
His summer switch from Italian side Napoli provided Fernandez with arguably the toughest challenge of his career to date.
And while he has let his performances do the talking on the pitch, he is working hard to improve his talking off it.



"I know I have to improve my English," said Fernandez via a translator. "It has been difficult but everyone says I will pick it up soon.
"The squad is very good and they are helping me as much as they can. I can speak basic English on the pitch, while Ash (Williams) can speak a little Spanish. Also, Angel (Rangel) plays to my right so it is easy to communicate with him.
"But I am trying my best to improve my English so I can speak not only on the pitch but off it too. I want to communicate better with my team-mates and the Swansea fans too.
"Hopefully my next interview is in English!"
Of his seven appearances for the Swans so far, five have come in the Barclays Premier League.
His first taste of England's top flight came at Stamford Bridge, where he replaced the injured Jordi Amat at the break.
With four Premier League starts now under his belt, Fernandez feels he is getting to grips with what the Premier League has to throw at him.



"The Premier League is a very physical league with fast football. In Argentina and Italy the football is slower but more tactical," said the centre-back. "Every team is difficult to play against.
"I have always wanted to play in the Premier League - it was my dream. Every stadium is big and the pitches are perfect.
"I've only been here a few months, but I hope to be here for a long time. It can be difficult to adapt to a new team, but this group is fantastic and they've made it easy for me."
Following last weekend's frustrating defeat at Stoke City, the Swans are looking to bounce back when Leicester City visit the Liberty on Saturday.
And Fernandez is raring to go as Garry Monk's side take on the newly-promoted Foxes.
"I can't wait for Saturday. When you lose a game you want the next match to arrive quickly," he added.
"We had a really good start to the season with three straight wins in the league, but results haven't been how we have wanted in the last few matches.
"But the mentality of the team is good. We are targeting three points on Saturday because it would give us a boost going into the league games coming up against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City."