BBC Sportfootball

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 10:50 GMT, Friday, 24 July 2009 11:50 UK

Sousa pleased with Swans training

Paulo Sousa
Sousa is still looking to bring in a new striker to replace Jason Scotland

Swansea manager Paulo Sousa has praised the commitment of his new squad ahead of Friday's opening Spanish tour friendly against Espanyol B at Palamos.

Sousa, who succeeded Roberto Martinez, has been putting the squad through two long, hard sessions a day in the heat high in the hills above Barcelona.

"We have increased the intensity and volume in training this week," he told the Swans website.

"The boys have worked really hard in the heat."

He added: "They have been fantastic and I have been very pleased with their commitment.

"But while I expect their legs to be tired, I expect their minds to be fresh. I expect good football from them at all times.

Swansea travelled to Spain on Tuesday on the back of two pre-season friendly wins - 3-1 against FC Twente and 6-1 at Neath.

On the tour of Spain, the Swans will also face Palamos on Sunday before taking part in a three-team tournament on Monday with CE Sabadell and Gimnastic.

606: DEBATE
DragonPhilljack

"It's good to get away together as a club so that the players and the squad can build a strong identity and clarify our principles in the game," said Sousa.

"We always want to be strong and competitive as a squad and Espanyol B will be a good test for us.

"It's a shame it's not the A team, but all games bring different demands to training where you don't get the competitive aspects.

"But it's all about building towards the first Championship game of the season.

"I expect to go to Leicester City on 8 August and start the season well - and then keep doing well.''



Print Sponsor


see also
Bauza targets first-team action
23 Jul 09 |  Swansea
Lopez praises influence of Sousa
21 Jul 09 |  Swansea
Neath FC 1-6 Swansea City
20 Jul 09 |  Swansea
Swansea City 3-1 FC Twente
18 Jul 09 |  Swansea
BBC Sport Wales coverage
03 Oct 11 |  Wales


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites