'There are many positives - we are happy'

Federico Fernandez reckons Swansea City will head to Southampton in upbeat mood after a rousing finish to their pre-season campaign.

Paul Clement’s men start the new Premier League campaign with a trip to St Mary’s next Saturday.

And they will travel with some optimism having thumped Sampdoria 4-0 in their last friendly of the summer.

“There were many positive things on the pitch today,” said Fernandez.

“That performance has given us a big confidence boost going into the start of the season. It is nice to get a win – that’s what football is about.

“In the last two games we have played well. Now we have one more week to work on the last details to get us ready for the season, but we have taken a step forward this weekend and we are happy.”

The Swans went in at half-time against Sampdoria 1-0 up thanks to a Leroy Fer header.

Ricky Alvarez’s comical own goal made it 2-0 right at the start of the second period, then Tammy Abraham netted on his Liberty debut before Fernandez rounded off the scoring when he nodded in from Tom Carroll’s corner.

“It is always nice to score. It has been a long time. I hope this will be the first one of many,” Fernandez smiled.

“As a team it is nice to score a few goals as well, because we didn’t do it much last season.

“Sampdoria are a good team – Italian teams work a lot on their shape, so it was nice to play from the back and open them up.

“We did some good things today.”

Having improved steadily throughout pre-season, the Swans will look to take another step forward when the serious stuff begins at Southampton.

“We are feeling good,” Fernandez added.

“Pre-season is over. Now we will prepare this week for Southampton.

“Away from home it will be difficult, but we will try our best to go there and take something. We will try to play our style.”