Swansea City manager Garry Monk pleased with Borussia Monchengladbach draw

Swans boss Garry Monk hailed his side's opening pre-season tour encounter a success after dominating their 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach in Grassau, Germany.
Matt Grimes grabbed a deserved second-half equaliser against the Champions League qualifiers, who are ahead of the Swans in their pre-season preparations.



"I thought for our first game we did very well,'' declared Monk. "We played against a very good team in Borussia - they finished third in their league last season and have qualified for the Champions League.
"But we dominated the game, and to do that against an opponent who has already played two games before this match was very pleasing.
"It's always difficult to play in heat like that, but I thought we handled it very well. Our fitness levels continued to be strong and we finished the game the stronger of the two teams.
"Of course, there are things we can improve on - which we will do. In the first 15 minutes we could have done a little better, but after that we really came into our own and dominated the game. But I suppose it is understandable considering we were back in a game environment for the first time in a few months.
"In the second half we always looked a threat; got the deserved equaliser and were a little unlucky not to get a winner.
"I'm never totally satisfied - there are always things to work on - but we saw good things, fitness-wise especially as we finished the game strongly.
"We can be sharper with the ball, but we did move it around well at times. We could see what we've been working on coming through.
"I am pleased with this result but the players realise there is plenty more work to be done.''



Monk gave Swans debuts to new signings Andre Ayew, Frank Tabanou, Eder and goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt as he used a total of 22 players during an encounter watched by 2,200 supporters, many of whom had made the long trip from Swansea.
"The new players have integrated well within the group, so there were plenty of good things to come from this game,'' added Monk.
"We planned it so that we would play a team for 60 minutes and another 11 for 30. Then we will flip that for the next game against 1860 Munich on Saturday.
"It allows everyone to get plenty of minutes under their belts. It helps their physical element, which is very important.
"There's plenty for us to improve on, but we are on the right path.''

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