It’s been a tough start to life at Swansea City for Michael Duff.
Duff led Barnsley to the League One play-off final last season, after previously guiding Cheltenham Town to promotion from League Two.
But making the step up to the Championship has so far proved tough for the former Burnley centre-back, who’s yet to claim his first league win as Swansea City boss.
His side sit in 22nd place of the table after the opening five games, with just two points to their name so far.
It’s still early doors though. There’s hope and expectation that Duff eventually succeeds at Swansea City, and the Swans boss has been discussing what his side need to be doing better, whilst also making a special mention for midfielder Joe Allen.
Duff told the club:
“We need to be a lot cleaner in everything we do because there is a big game coming up.
“Joe Allen epitomises what we want, he is probably the richest man in the stadium and he has had an unbelievable career. But when he came on, he immediately showed spirit and tenacity and we need that all over the pitch.
“We cannot be going around jogging, we need to be sprinting and working harder than the opposition. We have got the players in the building now, we have some time to work with them and try and shift this weakness in the group.”
Allen rejoined Swansea City last summer, featuring 25 times in the last Championship season and three times so far in this current campaign.
More to come?
Swansea have put together a very decent-looking side this summer. But with a change in manager and a change in playing styles, it’s going to take some time for this new side to really start performing.
It’s a big step up for Duff but he’ll be given ample time at Swansea City to implement his ideas, with his previous Barnsley side having played very attractive and effective football.
And Allen is certainly someone that Duff will be relying on; the Welsh legend is one of the more experienced players in the sides and someone who really knows what it means to play for Swansea City.
The Swans return to action v Cardiff City after the international break.
