New Swansea City head coach Paul Clement relishing massive challenge ahead
3rd January
New Swans boss Paul Clement has declared himself up for the "massive challenge" that lies ahead.
Clement signed a two-and-a-half-year contract this afternoon as the club's new head coach and promised to do everything in his power to provide winning football again for the Jack Army.
"I'm delighted to be here," declared Clement ahead of tonight's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.
"I had a brief spell as head coach not too long ago at Derby. It was a role I enjoyed thoroughly before I went to Bayern Munich as assistant manager. But my real desire and ambition was to become a head coach again as quickly as possible, so I am absolutely delighted to be here at Swansea and a Premier League manager.
"I would like to think my footballing philosophy goes hand in hand with the club's. That's part of the reason the club chose me and a big part of the reason why I wanted to come to the club.
"Over recent years there has been a certain style Swansea fans have been used to seeing. Maybe that hasn't been there so much over recent times, but hopefully I will be able to put my imprint on the team very quickly and the fans will be able to see some good football - most importantly some winning football.
"It is a massive challenge; there's no other way to put it. But challenges are exciting and that's why I came here. I could have stayed at Bayern as an assistant, but I've chosen to come into a very challenging situation. It excites me to do that and that's the attitude I want the players to have.
"It's a big task, but I think it can be done."
Clement, who is set to have a watching brief at Selhurst Park tonight as the Swans look to drag themselves off the foot of the table, added: "We are looking at the potential of adding to the squad in the transfer window. I've discussed that with the owners already.
"But before that I quickly need to look at the players already here and get them playing up to or close to their potential - and get some good results.
"Obviously improving the team defensively is a priority. All the clubs I've been involved with, the style of attacking football comes from a base of good defending. The team has conceded a lot of goals in recent times and it's very important we put that right. Defending is a team effort, not just the responsibility of the goalkeeper and the back four. It starts from the front."
The 44-year-old has also vowed to put the smile back on the Swansea faithful after a difficult first half of the season.
"The fans have had a difficult time of late," added Clement. "But what we hope is that they get behind the team and continue to show their support because they can be a massive help, particularly in the home games. And to be patient.
"They can give the players that extra lift; the ability to run that little bit further and it's a big motivation. We are going to try our very best to put on some good performances for the fans so they can come and see their team winning some games.
"We will put effort in from the first to last whistle; in every game home or away; whether we are in front or behind. That's a promise."
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