Your Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, April 6.
Llorente on 'complicated' and 'happy' Swansea spell
Fernando Llorente admits he was "happy" during what was a "complicated" season at Swansea City.
The Spaniard netted 15 goals to help keep the Swans in the Premier League during the 2016/17 campaign. However, the Swans were in disarray for much of the season having fired both Francesco Guidolin and Bob Bradley.
And Llorente has opened up on the best moments of his sole season in south Wales. "It was a change from a team with aspirations [Sevilla] to one that was struggling to survive in the Premier League," he told Four Four Two.
"It was a complicated year, with three coaches - Francesco Guidolin signed me, but after the seventh league game he was sacked. Bob Bradley didn't connect with the dressing room, then Paul Clement saved us when it seemed impossible.
"It felt like we had no chance, but something magical happened. We won 3-2 at Anfield and I scored two. Then we won four of the last five games, drew at Old Trafford, and stayed in the Premier League.
"I was a bit lucky, every ball I touched was a goal. I also remember a game against Crystal Palace when I came on, we went into stoppage-time 4-3 down, then I scored two. The stadium exploded. I was happy at Swansea."
The striker left the Swans for Tottenham in the summer of 2017, although he revealed he was close to joining Spurs' London rivals Chelsea. "I'd been talking to Antonio Conte, who wanted me at Chelsea," he added.
"I wanted to go there because I knew I'd adapt quickly to him. Swansea wanted at least £12m, and Roman Abramovich wouldn't go for that. Tottenham did - on the last day of the window I went to London in the early hours of the morning for the medical."
Goodman: 'Inconsistent' Swans way off promotion
Don Goodman believes Swansea are currently too inconsistent to challenge for promotion next season.
The Swans have risen up the table of late having collected 10 of the last 12 points on offer in a sequence that included away victories over Peterborough United, Cardiff City and Millwall. The pick of the wins was undoubtedly over the Bluebirds as Russell Martin's men thumped their local rivals 4-0 to become the first ever side to achieve a league double in the history of the South Wales derby.
However, Goodman believes the Swans need to significantly improve if they are to be promotion contenders next season.
"Swansea were excellent [at Cardiff], thoroughly deserved and showed what they're capable of. But, I say this with the greatest of respect, to me, they've gone and walloped a pretty average team," he told the Sky Sports EFL podcast.
"The bragging rights, the celebrations, the double, they have saved their best for Cardiff. They even scored a corner which I don't think they'd done in the whole season prior to the weekend.
"They scored a brilliant first goal. [Michael] Obafemi's first goal was outstanding. But the truth for me is these two [Swansea and Cardiff] are way off any kind of promotion push if things remain the same next season, they're too inconsistent, Swansea."
After scoring twice in the rout at Cardiff City Stadium, Gary Weaver was quick to praise Obafemi who etched his name into derby folklore with a sublime display in the capital. "He'll be a hero at Swansea for ever more now for scoring, and then obviously doing that gesture which doesn't go down well with Cardiff City fans," he said.
Do you think Swansea can challenge for promotion next season? Have your say in the comments section below.
Martin issues Downes update
Russell Martin has confirmed Flynn Downes was left out of the matchday squad for Swansea's win at Millwall as a precautionary measure.
Downes did not feature against Birmingham City prior to the international break and was absent against the Lions just three days after playing a starring role in the 4-0 thrashing of Cardiff City. And Martin has revealed the midfielder is being carefully managed after picking up a knock.
"He's fine. We just have to manage Flynn during these games. He could have played tonight [at Millwall]," said the head coach. "We had to take him out of the Birmingham game because of a knock.
"He did really well with the medical and sports science team to get really fit for Cardiff. Saturday was a big game for him. He took a real whack late on on the area that he's been feeling a bit. Flynn's that kind of guy, he said 'gaffer, if you want me to play, I'll play', but we have to be careful with people.
"We have a squad now that is a bit leaner since January but really more competitive and healthy. We always talk about needing everyone, and tonight showed that."
Downes is expected to return to the squad for Saturday's clash with Derby County. Kick-off in Swansea is at 3pm.
Read more: Russell Martin's encouraging Millwall admission as Swansea City deliver after Cardiff City euphoria
Fulton shines after 'difficult' spell
Jay Fulton was handed only his third start since August in Swansea's win over Millwall.
Prior to the triumph at The Den, Fulton had only started in the defeats at Stoke City and Hull City after being named in the starting line-up for the 3-1 loss to Preston North End in the opening month of the campaign. But he produced what Russell Martin described as his best performance of the season to date against Gary Rowett's men. You can read more on that here.
Operating in a deep-lying midfield role, the Scot played his part in attack by registering a shot on target while making one key pass in addition to winning two free-kicks. He was typically impressive at the back too.
Fulton made two tackles and one interception while his total of five clearances was the most of any player on the pitch, despite the fact he was withdrawn on 78 minutes. And while the 28-year-old admits this season has been difficult, Fulton was only too happy to deliver the goods in the fine showing at Millwall.
“It was an important win after what Saturday brought and the kind of game that was,” the central midfielder told the Swansea website. “To come away from home to a place like this and get a 1-0 win; it’s a good performance and a great result.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, especially after a match like Saturday because sometimes it can be hard to get going again, but after the first five minutes, I thought we controlled the game.
“I’ve kept myself as ready as I can be for games. I pride myself on being a team player, obviously it’s been difficult at times this season but I’m always ready and when I’m asked to play, I’ll do my best.
“The fans have travelled in good numbers so hopefully they’ll go home happy with the 1-0. The last few results have been good, so we’re just taking it game by game to see how many points we can get by the end of the season.”
