Poor defending costs Swans as they are beaten at Oxford 

An early first-half finish from Marcus Browne proved to be the difference for the League One side on a bitterly disappointing night for the new Swans management. 

The Swans did create chances but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and were well below their best in possession leaving the former Barnsley boss with food for thought with the Championship season now just two weeks away. 

Duff though thinks his side needs to learn from the lessons against the U’s before they welcome Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night to the Swansea.com Stadium for the clubs first friendly in front of their own fans this season.

“It is about eradicating too many goals; we have conceded too many goals in the last two years. Today the one goal we have conceded today we have given them. That is what we need to try and stamp out,” explained Duff. 

“It is just learning; we are trying to implement new things. We could be a little bit cleaner with the ball, I thought we were sloppy in possession today, which I hope is not going to be like us because the one thing we can do is pass the ball. 

“There is work here that needs to be done. The three chances they got in the first half were down to us giving the ball away in poor areas of the pitch. The chance they got in the second half was from taking a risk with a throw-in within our defending third. We need to eradicate that. 

“I thought they took on board information in the second half in terms of the aggressiveness of the press so most of the half was spent in their half.

“It is never going to be perfect on the opening game of the season, it takes a long time to implement things. It is getting players to understand what we want. 

“Today is all about minutes. We got asked a few questions we hadn’t been asked before so that is good because it is something to work with.” 

With the Swans showing a particularly youthful-looking bench at the Kassam Stadium full of many of the club’s academy talent, Duff is keen to add to his resources with two Premier League loans mooted to arrive before the season starts.

With the club still looking to replace the departed Ryan Manning on the left-hand side and provide competition for goalkeeper Andy Fisher. Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and Newcastle United full back Harrison Ashby have been touted in recent days as potential additions. Duff though wouldn’t be drawn on a timeframe but was hopeful of bringing in a few fresh faces and also see returns for three first-teamers in the coming weeks. 

“You don’t need a rocket scientist to see we need a left-back because I don’t envisage Kyle Naughton playing as a left-wing back all season,” continued Duff. 

“Two are coming in but we have to wait a little bit longer in terms of loans because we’re waiting for the parent club. They are though pretty much done. 

“Until they are in the door and have got a scarf over their head, you can never say never. Something might happen inbetween now and when they’re due to be in. 

“Josh [Ginnelly] is out on the grass now working with the physio but is out of the gym and will hopefully be a week or two away. Joe [Allen] is two or three weeks and Walshy [Liam Walsh] is a bit longer.

 “It is frustrating for them because we need to get them up to speed because they are behind the curve. Ultimately, you can’t push muscle injuries, you need to allow time and not bring them back too quickly otherwise they will break down again.

 “There are 50/60 games in a season, so we need everybody fit so they know the work we are trying to do and have an idea when they do get on the pitch.” 

[Lead image: Swansea City]