Guidolin pleased with five star display
23rd July
Francesco Guidolin believes his side are well on course to being in prime condition for the Premier League season after they beat Bristol Rovers 5-1 at the Memorial Stadium.
The Swans stepped up their pre-season preparations with a convincing victory over their League One opponents following a successful tour of the USA.
Guidolin's men put in an eye-catching first half display, racing into a four-goal lead, courtesy of strikes from Andre Ayew, Leroy Fer, Stephen Kingsley and Kyle Naughton.
Rovers pulled one back after the break through Luke James, before Wayne Routledge had the final say in a game that saw the Swans use all 18 players of the matchday squad.
"I am pleased with our performance," said Guidolin. "We played well in both halves in a period that can be a bit up and down.
"We scored five goals and played a good game, especially for pre-season, against a good team.
"I am very happy because the group worked well together. We wanted to play with Andre (Ayew) as the false nine forward today, which was something that worked well for us during the last part of last season.
"In my opinion, we are almost ready for the Premier League. We are at about 70 per cent, and we still have time to work in training and in other friendly matches. I think the team will be ready for the beginning of the season.
"The important games games are coming and it's important that we work hard now to be ready."
The Swans continue their preparations for the 2016-17 campaign with a midweek trip to Swindon Town (7.45pm, July 27) before travelling to Wolves next weekend (3pm, July 30) and hosting Stade Rennes on August 6 (3pm).
