Perfect pre-season laid foundations for success, says Swansea City manager Garry Monk

Garry Monk believes the Swans' record-breaking campaign was made possible with perfect pre-season preparations.
Monk led the Swans to arguably the club's finest ever campaign with a highest finish in the Barclays Premier League along with a top points tally of 56.
That came in Monk's full season in charge, having initially taken over on an interim basis in February, 2014.
And the Swans boss, speaking in the club's seasonal review DVD 'Record Breakers: History Makers', believes the work put in place during the tour of America and the attitude of his staff and players laid the foundations for an incredible campaign.



"Ahead of pre-season I sat down with the coaches and put a plan together to make us fitter and stronger," said Monk, who won August's manager of the month award after winning the club's first three league games - starting with a 2-1 victory at Manchester United.
"To understand the football side of it, you have to be fit because you perform better the fitter you are.
"But I really concentrated on unity within the squad. I wanted to make sure everything we did throughout pre-season was done together. I wanted to create the right spirit as well working on the football and physical side of it - that started in America.
"All the work we did in pre-season paid off immediately. But for all that hard work you must have success with it. The players must feel that it works at the highest level.
"So for it to pay off on the opening day at Manchester United was a real boost for us. It set up the rest of the season for us.
"The best thing about that day was that we won on merit. It wasn't about us hanging on and being lucky - we were the better team on the team and we deserved three points.
"To do that in an arena like Old Trafford meant the players could always refer back to that game. If we work hard enough and do it to our best then we can win anywhere."



After a remarkable season in which the Swans also recorded their highest amount of victories in a Premier League campaign, Monk was full of pride as he reflected on the team's success.
He added: "There are many things that football brings, but the most important thing about being part of a club is to create history. I told the players that there is nothing better than to be part of a team that goes down in the club's history books.
"When they finish their careers they can tell their kids and grandchildren that they were part of a history-making season at Swansea City. It will go down as one of the best seasons the club has ever had."

Order Record Breakers: History Makers today to get the DVD at a special price of just £9.99 - which includes FREE delivery within the UK - instead of £11.99.
Click HERE to order your copy or buy it from the Swans Club Shop today.

LINK: Buy the new Swans away kit

LINK: Ash reveals change in captaincy methods

LINK: Our best season ever, says Swans chairman

LINK: Ki reflects on his finest campaign