'We have to look forward'

7th August
First team

Yan Dhanda reckons Swansea City have begun putting the pain of relegation behind them after kicking off the 2018-19 season with a win.

The Swans began a new era under Graham Potter by chalking up a first league victory at Sheffield United since 1939 last weekend.

The club’s maiden away success in 2018 came in dramatic fashion, as Dhanda stepped off the bench to score a late winner with his first touch in senior football.

And the teenager believes Potter’s youthful Swans side must look forward rather than back as they bid to make a mark in the Championship this season.

“I think last year Swansea obviously had a bit of a bad time but it is time to put that behind us now,” Dhanda said.

“We have to move on and we have made a good start by beating Sheffield United.

“We bounced back from going a goal down and showed the character you need.

“If we can keep progressing every week then I think we can do really well this season. If you don’t believe you can do well, there’s no point in playing.”

Dhanda is one of a number of youngsters who has been handed the chance to impress by Potter.

With the Swans restructuring their squad having dropped out of the Premier League, the new man at the top has made it clear that he is prepared to give opportunities to inexperienced players.

Dhanda is one of the rising stars reaping the benefits of Potter’s approach.

“I really like how the manager is so positive in everything he does,” the former Liverpool man added.

“He doesn’t knock players down because he knows being positive will bring the best out of players.

“That means I feel comfortable when I am on the ball. I feel I can try things because I know I have his support.”

Dhanda made the decision to leave Anfield in the summer because he was desperate to play first-team football, and his move to Wales is already paying dividends.

Having impressed in pre-season and made an extraordinary impact at Bramall Lane, the former England Under-17 man is loving life in SA1.

“My time at Liverpool was amazing – I came on so much there as a player as a person,” Dhanda said.

“But I am here at Swansea now and I am enjoying my football probably more than ever.

“I am happy and that is bringing out the best in me on the pitch.”

 

Tickets for our home opener against Preston North End are available – get yours HERE or call the ticket office on 01792 616400. Watch the game in style in our 1912 Heritage lounge – contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or on hospitality@swanseacity.com