Richards: We're very disappointed

Gary Richards admits Swansea City Under-23s are hugely disappointed following their exit from this season’s Premier League International Cup.

The young Swans bowed out of the tournament after suffering a 4-1 defeat against Hertha Berlin II at Landore.

The Swans responded well after falling 1-0 behind with Keiran Evans producing a brilliant equaliser, but a second Hertha goal just before the break swung the contest in the Germans’ favour.

Richards was pleased with his side’s first-half performance, but admits they were made to rue their mistakes in the second.

“We’re very disappointed to go out of the competition,” the under-23s coach said.

“We like the tournament a lot. The teams we play always present different challenges and it is a really good experience for us. 

“We gave a really good account of ourselves in the first half. We were good on the ball, created a few opportunities and showed a very good reaction after conceding the opening goal. We felt quite unlucky to be 2-1 down at half-time.

“Conceding that second goal so late in the half knocked the stuffing out of us and they were the better side after the break. They looked a real threat on the counter, we left ourselves a little open at the back and they took advantage of it.”

Hertha, who lost each of their opening two matches in Group E, arrived at Landore with their elimination from the competition already confirmed.

And Richards has urged the Swans to take a leaf out of their opponents’ book in their final match against Liverpool next month. 

“We must follow Hertha’s example for that game,” he added.

“They couldn’t qualify for the knockout stages, but have come here and made things very difficult for us.

“We have to do the same against Liverpool next month.”