Garcia's settled into Swans life

7th September

Having left behind sunny Spain this summer, Javier Garcia is loving life in his new surroundings.
The goalkeeping coach made the switch from La Liga side Sevilla to the Swans at the end of June to become part of Garry Monk's backroom staff.
Garcia's influence seems to have already reaped early reward for the Swans, who have conceded just one goal in their three league games so far.
And, with the Swans currently joint top along with Chelsea, the tough decision to leave behind not only his home nation but the current Europa League holders has proved a wise choice.
"It was difficult in a way because I had a great relationship with everyone at Sevilla. We had a lot of success there and I was settled," explained Garcia, who has previously worked with Swans assistant manager Pep Clotet during their time at Espanyol.
"But this was an opportunity to play in the biggest league in the world. I had previously been to England - two years ago I was in Manchester to see how some clubs worked. It helped me learn more about the game here.
"I also watched Chelsea play too, and I thought that one day I would like to coach in the Premier League. And, now, here I am doing that with Swansea."



Having spent just over two months in his new role, Garcia already feels at home.
The 35-year-old, who previously spent time at Espanyol and Unió Esportiva Figueres, has been working closely with Polish international Lukasz Fabianski, Gerhard Tremmel and David Cornell on a daily basis as he looks to continue raising standards between the sticks.
And it is his desire to work around the clock which has played a part in ensuring two clean sheets from the first three league games.
"It's football, football, football for me. It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it," said Garcia, whose behind-the-scenes work was praised by Sevilla boss Unai Emery after the club's penalty-shootout win over Benfica in the Europa League final last May.
"This is one of the things I really liked about Garry and the chairman - they are people who will work every second to make the club successful.
"I know Pep from our days together at Espanyol, so I was also fully aware of his attitude towards work. So with Pep and Garry I feel that I have a very good working relationship here.
"It was a big part in my decision to come here. Changing clubs and countries was a massive change for me, but I am keen to learn and knowing their determination to work hard and succeed made me feel this was the right move for me.
"In Spain there is a lot of respect for Swansea because of the style played here. Possession football is the Spanish philosophy, and they really appreciate the way Swansea has progressed over the last few years.
Swansea City is growing massively, and there is plenty more growth ahead for the club.
"And I have to continue working hard to improve the goalkeepers here and help the team maintain its good start to the season."