Guidolin hails "fantastic" Jack Army

15th May

Francesco Guidolin hailed Swansea City's "fantastic" Jack Army after the Swans finished the 2015-16 Barclays Premier League campaign on a high following a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

The Swans came from behind to earn a hard-fought point after Andre Ayew cancelled out Kelechi Iheanacho's early opener on the cusp of half-time.

After Iheanacho put the visitors in front inside five minutes with a close range finish following Sergio Aguero's initial parried effort, Ayew levelled the scores when his 25-yard free-kick deflected into the top corner off Fernando.

The Swans faithful were full of appreciation for Guidolin and his side upon the full-time whistle, and the Italian manager lauded the Jack Army for creating a "magical moment" for him and his players.

"The fans were fantastic," said Guidolin. "It was a big surprise for me (to hear them sing my name). It was a magic moment on a nice day in the sunshine.

"It was also a fantastic moment with the players and their families at the end. Swansea is a fantastic family, and I am very happy for this.

"I am happy because now we finish in a comfortable position in the table. I am proud because my players deserve this position. They run and and work very hard in training and have changed the situation since January.

"Today, it was a good performance and result against, in my opinion, the best team in the Premier League. They have a lot of big players and a lot of quality.

"We played well and had a good game, which makes it a good memory.

"Hopefully next season will be better. We must start well, but now we must go on holiday."

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who was overseeing his final match in charge of the Citizens, was pleased to bow out having secured Champions League football for his side.

"It is not easy to finish," said Pellegrini. "I am very proud to have managed this squad. 

"We are happy that we finished the season in fourth place and in the Champions League for next season.

"It's been a good season: we won the Capital One Cup and now we have finished in the Champions League places."