Duff wants Swans to be an adaptable team

Having picked up his first win since taking charge in the summer in the Carabao Cup first-round home tie against Northampton 3-0 on Tuesday night, Duff is keen to back-up the victory as his side travels to face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday. 

A double from Joel Piroe and a scorcher from debutant Josh Ginnelly was just the tonic for Duff’s side in a professional and clinical performance at either end of the pitch.

With a strong line-up including the likes of Joe Allen, Ginnelly and Ollie Cooper from the start for the first time this season, the Swans showcased their growing squad depth brushing aside their League One opponents. 

For Duff, the performance was pleasing as he sees his side adapt to various tactical tweaks that have been implemented over pre-season.

“It’s always nice for the team to get the first win and for me to get mine. We wanted to use it as a way of finding out new things about the players as staff and the way we want to play,” said Duff.

“We had 700-odd passes and scored three good goals. The detail and enthusiasm for the game was really pleasing. 

“You have to adapt to what you have got. We are still learning what works best and what doesn’t. It was used as a good training session, and we got certain things out of it that we wanted to, which was pleasing.

“I don’t think we’re diluting the team when you bring in people like Kyle Naughton, Joe Allen and Ollie [Cooper]. They are first-team players. It isn’t a case of rotating and playing with all of the kids.

“I think the squad is getting deeper and we’re still looking to bring a couple more in. There are positive signs.”

Attention now turns back to league action with Carlos Corberan’s wounded West Brom side looking for a response after their opening day 2-1 reverse at Blackburn Rovers and similar scoreline defeat to Stoke City in the League Cup.

For the Swans, last weekend’s hard-fought point at the Swansea.com Stadium in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham City showed plenty of positives with new signing Jerry Yates getting off the mark on his debut after the Swans had fallen behind at the break. 

The Northern-Irishman though is looking for more from his side to carry on the Swans fine start to the campaign with victory on the road the aim having extended the clubs unbeaten run from the prior campaign to 11 games. A run that included a memorable 3-2 victory over the West country outfit in South Wales back in May.

“I expect a good game, a tough game. They were unlucky against Blackburn. They shot themselves in the foot conceding out of nothing and then conceded straight away,” continued Duff.

“Going 2-0 down in the Championship away from home is tough anywhere. They do have some good players and a manager that knows the level really well.  

“If you look at their team there is a lot of Championship experience. I don’t think they signed many but there is still a good core left over to pick from. 

“I can see them as one of 14 [teams capable of promotion]. I think it’s hard to predict who’s going to be in the shakeup. 

“It is like last week, is it a good point or not? you won’t know until the end of the season. Birmingham were a good team. This year more than any time it’s ultra-competitive.

“Everyone came through the game Tuesday. Ben Cabango is fine. He trained today, that was just a precaution. We have a full pool of players to pick from.”
Whilst the Swans look to bid goodbye to Olivier Ntcham whose move to Turkish side Sansumspor looks ever closer, one addition Duff is hopeful of adding to his squad is Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino.  

The Swans have agreed to sign the 19-year-old Gunner’s midfielder on a season-long loan where the playmaker will line up with former teammate Jerry Yates who he played with at Blackpool last season. 

“He’s trained today. We’ve had permission from Arsenal for him to train with us. It’s just crossing t’s and dotting i’s. Hopefully, he’ll be part of the matchday squad,” enthused Duff.

“He is another good footballer. He gives us balance being left-footed. He can play a number of different positions, whether that is in a deeper role or slightly higher up, which gives us that fluidity that we really want. 

“Sometimes we will want him to drop down in possession and sometimes we will want him to play in the pocket, so it is being adaptable.

 “Arsenal want him to come here and play a possession-based style of football whilst learning his trade on the other side of the game as well which we will hopefully teach him. 

“His pedigree speaks for itself being at the football club he’s at. A young player that plays 40-odd games in the Championship [For Blackpool] is top-class for anybody of his age.

“He does add physicality, most of the signings we have made so far have added physicality to the team whether that is from size or pace.

“As a midfielder, you need to be able to dig. It’s pointless being a good footballer and getting knocked off the ball when you have it, you need to look after yourself.

“In the level he wants to play at, they’re all monsters. You don’t see many tiny Premier League players, they’re all massive now. 

(Lead image: Swansea City FC)