Pep praises Monk's passion

Assistant-manager Pep Clotet has admitted that he still can't quite believe the passion Garry Monk has for the Swans job.

Clotet teamed up with Monk at the end of last season to help the Swans secure their Barclays Premier League status after a difficult campaign.

And the Barcelona-born coach has been more than impressed with what he's seen from his 35-year-old boss, including on the club's two-week training camp of America.

"Garry Monk is living 24/7 for Swansea City Football Club,'' declared Clotet. "He is working non-stop and really putting the hours in.

"He is throwing everything at the job and his hard work, effort and enthusiasm is rubbing off on all aspects of the club. He has raised everyone's game and is determined to keep pushing standards up everywhere.

"He wants the fans to be proud of the team and the club; he wants them to enjoy watching the team. It's very important to him.''

While Clotet has only been at the Liberty stadium since October, it didn't take him long to establish how important the club is to the fans and the community.

"I know why Garry feels such a responsibility because I have seen for myself what this football club means to the fans and the community.

"It's really got him - and now me as well. Whenever I go out to dinner in the city I always see something or someone related to the football club.

"Just before we left for America someone working in the building where I live asked me when the tickets were going on sale for the opening game at Manchester United. He said him and his father go to all the away games.

"It took me by surprise because I try and stay in the background and I didn't think he would have recognised me.

"It's important we never forget the feeling the fans have for the club and use that passion and support to drive us on, especially during the difficult times, which every team goes through at some stage of the season.''