Jack Cork: Squad strength key to positive start

Jack Cork believes Swansea City's squad strength has played a key factor in the club's promising start to the season.
Garry Monk added Andre Ayew, Eder, Franck Tabanou and Kristoffer Nordfeldt to his squad over the summer as the Swans boss looks to follow up last season's record-breaking campaign.
It means Monk has a number of players available for each position within his team, and Cork believes that competition has been a big reason behind the Swans' opening-day draw at Chelsea and victory over Newcastle United last weekend.
"We have started very brightly," Cork acknowledged. "The performance we put in against Chelsea on the opening day was very similar to how the lads played against Manchester United in the first game last season.
"We followed that up with a good win against Newcastle and we are also playing good football so the confidence is high.
"The competition in the squad is unbelievable. The manager has at least two players for every position, so every player is being pushed hard in every training session let alone each game.
"I think that has played a big part in how well we have started. Of course, the manager and his staff have put in a lot of work behind the scenes and on the training pitch, while the players have worked very hard too.
"But knowing that you have to work so hard just to be in the manager's plans means everyone is totally focused and committed, and that's great for the manager and the team."



The Swans head to Sunderland on Saturday with Dick Advocaat's side looking to pick up their first points of the campaign following defeats to Leicester City and Norwich City.
Despite the Black Cats sitting bottom of the table, Cork is fully aware of the threat they pose.
"It's tough in this league, and you never know how the opposition are going to react," he said.
"I've been in teams who have been near the bottom of the table and it can affect your confidence. But sometimes it can really spur you on in your next game.
"Sunderland will be looking to get some points on the board and they are at home against us, so their fans will make a lot of noise and will spur them on.
"But we have to go up there and get on top so that we can dictate the game."

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