Guidolin calls for a strong finish

Francesco Guidolin has called on his players to finish the season strongly, starting with Saturday's clash against Bournemouth (3pm).

The Swans travel to the south coast on the back of victories against Arsenal and Norwich which have moved them nine points clear of the bottom three.

Francesco Guidolin's side could also leapfrog Bournemouth with a win this weekend, in what will be the second of three key fixtures this month.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, have taken seven points from their last three games, with last weekend's 3-1 win over Newcastle moving Eddie Howe's men ten points clear of trouble.

"We got two important victories last week, but it isn't enough yet," said Guidolin. "I want more.

"I know we have a good team and we can do better and finish the season strongly. It's a difficult league but the table is looking a lot better for us.

"But I hope we can play well again on Saturday against Bournemouth and in the remaining games.

"They (Bournemouth) are a good team with great enthusiasm. They came up from the Championship, play good football and I'd like to see an open match between two good teams."

Guidolin - who missed the games against Arsenal and Norwich through illness - was speaking to the media for the first time since suffering a chest infection.

The Italian - who returned to the training ground this week to prepare for Saturday's game with his coaching staff - has also been advised by doctors to miss the game at the Vitality Stadium before returning to the dugout for the home game against Aston Villa on March 19.

"In the last two months my life has changed a lot," he said. "Not just the job, my life, but a new language also.

"I give 150% to this job to try and help the team and the club but I still need some days to rest and relax.

"I've been at Fairwood to speak with the staff and to prepare the players for Saturday."