It is time to do well, says Guidolin

8th September
Francesco Guidolin has told his Swansea City players it will be time to deliver when they take on Chelsea this weekend.
The Swans will look to take points on their own patch for the first time in 2016-17 when the Blues visit on Sunday.
Guidolin reckons his team are taking on one of this season's genuine title contenders in the Premier League.
And the Italian admits the Swans must raise their performance levels after defeat at Leicester City last time out.
"I think we have a good team," Guidolin declared. "I am happy with my players and I think it's important to look to the future with optimism.
"But it's time to do well on the pitch, because I was disappointed with the last game at Leicester.
"We prepared another game before Leicester, but they played very well in the first half and they deserved to win.
"We have to change this because the Premier League is very hard, but with my players I am confident.
"In the last two weeks we have worked hard to prepare for the game against Chelsea. We have not had a lot of players (because of the international break), but I think we have worked well.



"We have a good group and I think we can do well."
Guidolin has come up against Chelsea boss Antonio Conte on numerous occasions in their native Italy.
And he reckons the former Juventus captain could win the English championship at the first time of asking having arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
"They are title contenders," Guidolin said. "I think they can win, but I think the same about Manchester City, Manchester United and maybe some other teams.
"In the Premier League there are four or five very strong teams and Chelsea are one of them.
"I think they have started well. This is important for a new manager and for the players."
Swans record-signing Borja has a chance of being involved for the first time this weekend, while fellow new boy Alfie Mawson is also hoping for a debut.
Neil Taylor, meantime, is approaching peak match fitness after his appearance for Wales against Moldova.



Guidolin on Alfie Mawson
"I like him. He is a young player, but I like him. I think he is almost ready to play in the Premier League.  
"It is early to say some things about him, but in training sessions he is like the other players. 
"I think he will be a good surprise for our fans and our club."

Guidolin on Borja
"He is working, but he has to go slow (in training) for two or three days.  
"He does not have an injury. I hope to have him available for the bench on Sunday, but I don't know. I am not sure at the moment. 
"He worked with us last week but he needs some days where he works slowly. He is almost ready to play."

Guidolin on Antonio Conte
"Antonio Conte was a player at Juventus for 13 years. I was manager at Vicenza for four years, Udinese one year, Bologna four years, then Palermo, and I met him every year.
"He usually won because Juventus were the most important squad in Italy.
"Then, when he was a manager with Bari, I was manager of Parma and we were both promoted from Serie B together.
"Then he was Juventus manager when I was Udinese manager. He usually won because Juventus were a very strong team.
"He is having a good career as a manager. He is one of the most important managers in Europe."


Guidolin on his midfield options
"I am happy with my players in midfield. Leroy Fer is a good player, Jack Cork is a good player, Leon Britton is a legend and Ki (Sung-Yueng) is a good player.
"Then we have Gylfi (Sigurdsson) as well, while Jay Fulton is young but he is also a good player."