Pre-season plans vital to Swansea City, says manager Garry Monk

12th July

The Swans head to Germany today with manager Garry Monk underlining the importance of the club's pre-season preparations.
Monk led the Swans to a highest finish of eighth in the Barclays Premier League last season, along with setting a new record points tally of 56.
The pre-season tour of Chicago, Milwaukee and Minnesota was hugely credited to the team's success by Monk and a number of his players in the Swans' Record Breakers: History Makers end-of-season DVD.
And the Swans boss, who signed a new three-year contract on Friday, believes the tour of Germany - which includes friendlies with Borussia Monchengladbach and 1860 Munich - is vitally important for the forthcoming season.



"Our pre-season preparations last year were excellent and it was one of the main reasons we were able to go to Manchester United on the opening day of the campaign and come away with all three points," said Monk.
"So it's important we do all the right preparation again for the new campaign.
"The boys have come back for pre-season in good condition and trained very well over the last two weeks. They all know that the work needs to be done now to set us up for the season."
Monk has also praised the club's work in the transfer market, with Andre Ayew, Franck Tabanou, Kristoffer Nordfeldt and Eder all joining the Swans this summer.
All four are part of the travelling party heading to Grassau today, with the quartet set to make their first appearances for the club.
"I'm delighted we've been able to get our new signings in early - the sooner the better - because it gives them time to settle in, learn our culture and see the way we work," added Monk.
"We've definitely strengthened the areas we needed to. The additions look good and the squad looks stronger."

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