Swansea City, Pride of Wales, had an expeditious rise to the top tier of English football and achieved high acknowledgements due to their lion-hearted display and eye-catching football.
The likes of Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers, Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk earned them fame and glory in this journey that kick-started from lower divisions of the football league. However, the club hit a new low when they sacked Garry Monk in December 2015 and appointed Francesco Guidolin as their new boss.
Although he managed a 12th placed finish in 2015-16 Premier League campaign, the Swans looked unimpressive and unconvincing since the inception of the previous season and Guidolin, as a result, was expelled as Swansea boss last October.
Bob Bradley, the former USA boss, was appointed to succeed him at Liberty Stadium, however, the American failed big time and was sacked in less than three months spell. He was then replaced by former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager Paul Clement who managed a ‘great escape’ and eventually saved the Swans from a relegation scare.
Swansea City Players Who Impressed This Season
Fernando Llorente, the Spanish international and former Juventus, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao forward, proved to be their best piece of business last summer who netted 15 goals in 33 league outings and helped the Swans to maintain their top flight status.
Icelandic international, Gylfi Sigurdsson, enjoyed another impressive campaign in attacking midfield role as he netted 9 goals and assisted 13 times in 38 league outings.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
Swansea’s biggest flop has been their record signing Borja Baston who joined them for a £15.5 million fee from Atletico Madrid following a high-scoring campaign with La Liga outfit Eibar.
The Spaniard struggled to settle in English football and managed to score only once in 18 league appearances ( only 4 starts). Their defence has been in shambles throughout as they conceded 70 goals in 38 league outings ( only Hull City conceded more with 80 goals) and the likes of Federico Fernández and Jordi Amat failed to replace skipper Ashley Williams who joined Everton following his 9 years of association with the Swans.
Season Status
A 15th placed finish in Premier League is a deterioration compared to their previous campaigns, yet, they managed to stay above the drop zone which became their priority since the appointment of Clement.
Swansea City, the 2013 League Cup champions, had a dismal outing in both the domestic cups as they were knocked out from the third rounds of both competitions.
Areas Of Improvement
Swansea City made a few impressive signings during January transfer window, yet, they need proper defensive reinforcements, particularly a centre back, who can build a steady partnership alongside Alfie Mawson.
The likes of Ki Sung-yueng and Leon Britton struggled in the middle of the park and the Swans must bring someone who can link up well with Sigurdsson.
They will be looking for a forward as well if Borja Baston is sold and Paul Clement is expected to use his contacts to bring in a wide player who can stretch the game using the width of the pitch.
Expectations From 2017-18 Season
The main objective of the gaffer will be to regain their mid-table status and reestablish them as an exciting outfit who used to trouble the big guns with fearless and inspiring football.
The fans will expect a better performance in domestic cup competitions and get closer to their 2013 heroics.
