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Sousa Aims To Reduce Swans Squad
Sousa Aims To Reduce Swans Squad
Friday, 17th Jul 2009 06:52

Paulo Sousa aims to reduce the size of the Swans squad leaving many fighting for their future

The new man at the helm believes that it is a case of quality over quantity as he prepares for his first action at the Liberty Stadium with FC Twente the vistors tomorrow for the pre-season opener.

And two days later the Swans head to Neath before setting out for Spain with Sousa looking to reduce his squad meaning that many players are reaching the last chance that they have to impress.

Speaking to the Western Mail, Sousa said “I don’t know how many players will have to leave, I just know that I want to reduce the size of the squad and increase the quality.

“I have these games over the next week to help me make a final decision. I hope it will be the best decision.

“I wouldn’t call this game against Twente a trial though. It’s more a game in which I can confirm my doubts.

“The squad is close to the level I wanted. But we have only had three weeks together and one game in Portugal last week.

“Now we have a full 90 minutes to improve our intensity and standard. Then I can start to make some decisions.

“I know the players I want to come in,” he said. “But it has to be a good deal for the club and the squad.

“A striker is my priority now. We are looking hard and we have already opened talks with some players that have the characteristics we are looking for.

“We are close to finalising the deals. I hope it will be sorted in a few days so they can start training with us and get integrated into our ideas.

“Some players need more time than others. But we are looking for players we can adapt in a short time.”

Sousa has this week faced up to the fact that top scorer Jason Scotland has left and he added “It’s difficult for any manager to replace a player like Jason. He scored 55 goals in two seasons and it’s not easy to find someone like that again.

“It’s not just about players coming in, though.  The other players that are already here need to score more goals. We need to have other goalscorers in the team. Last season 90 per cent of the goals came from two players and we need to find alternatives.”

Ferrie Bodde is another one whose future is unsure with Sousa commenting “Ferrie is an important player for us, one of the best passers we have,” he said. “He is also a real threat shooting from distance and that’s something for our opponents to worry about.

“At the moment he is our player and I need to look after him like all the other players.”

And is he confident Bodde will stay? “I don’t see it any other way. I see it as my job to help him become a better player.”

SOURCE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swansea-city-fc/2009/07/17/paulo-sousa-ready-to-make-big-decision-on-swansea-city-future-91466-24173418/

Photo: Action Images



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