Guidolin focused on the positives
2nd February
Francesco Guidolin felt there were plenty of positives to take from Swansea's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, despite Salomon Rondon's late equaliser for the Baggies.
Rondon's injury-time leveller ensured the Swans were forced to settle for a point after Gylfi Sigurdsson had given Guidolin's side a deserved lead in the second half.
After a goalless first period at the Hawthorns, Sigurdsson opened the scoring in the 71st-minute with a calm finish past Ben Foster.
Substitute and debutant Alberto Paloschi went close to doubling Swansea's lead late, only to see his six-yard effort cannon back off the post, before Rondon dealt the Swans a hammer blow with a close-range strike in injury time.
But despite the cruel blow his side suffered late on, Guidolin was full of optimism with his side's "positive" performance.
"Football is like this," reflected the Italian head coach. "I'm disappointed but optimistic because I watched my team play very well.
"We lose two points, but West Brom are a good, strong team and are difficult to beat here.
"I am positive because my team played very well for 93 minutes - the entire match.
"My opinion is that if my players play quick and have good ball possession, I like it. The table is not good at the moment, but we work to improve that.
"We played good football and this is a good moment for Swansea, but football is dangerous.
"Saturday we have another difficult match - the first time for me at home, so I hope I see my team win."
The Swans head coach was also full of praise for debutant Paloschi, who entered the fray in the second half, replacing Ki Sung-Yueng, who was forced off following a clash of heads with Stephane Sessegnon.
He added: "I am also positive for Alberto because it's his first game. He's just arrived, but he has a lot of passion and enthusiasm.
"This is a dream for him, and I am sure he will be a good player for us."
Meanwhile, West Brom assistant manager Dave Kemp was pleased with the character his side showed to earn a point late on.
"When you're 1-0 down late on, it's important," said Kemp. "I thought we kept going, showed good character, and we have to be pleased with that.
"The finishing wasn't of the quality we'd like, but we created chances and we're pleased to get the point."
