Michael Duff: Purpose in play key for Swans ahead of Coventry 

Having picked up only a solitary point from their first two league matches, the former Barnsley head-coach is targeting three points as last season’s losing play-off finalists Coventry City are the latest visitors to the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Swans 3-2 loss against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last weekend was the Northern-Irishman’s first reverse after taking over from Russell Martin in the summer. A result that also ended a fine run of 11 games unbeaten for the club since losing 2-1 at the New Den against Millwall in March. 

Harry Darling and Nathan Wood’s second-half headers had given the Swans a chance at taking a point at the Hawthorns but giving the home side a three-goal cushion, Duff believes left his side with too much to do despite coming out on top in all areas apart from the crucial scoreline. 

“We’ve gone away from home and conceded three shots on target, and they’ve scored all three. I think in the two games we have played we haven’t been opened up once,” said Duff. 

“The Birmingham game we conceded from our throw in our own half and their other big chance came from a corner. In the general 90 minutes, we didn’t really have a save to make. The same thing happened the other day, the three goals they had were from a corner and a long throw. 

“It is something we know that needs, addressing, we are working hard and have had individual meetings. In the general play without the ball, we were ok. 

“I think we have been the better team in both games without playing brilliantly. So, there is no panic or urgency to rip it up and start again. 

“We believe in the way we work; it is going to take time to learn everyday habits. There have been a lot of changes of faces, playing staff and non-playing staff. That isn’t an excuse, we have taken one point from the two games. If we keep doing that it won’t be enough.

“It is getting that clarity in what we want. I’m not one for having 70% of the ball in your own half. That doesn’t mean you just boot it forward either. It is playing through teams. That is what we have worked on and whether that comes off we don’t know but it is something we are trying to adapt. It is about keeping the ball but keeping the ball with purpose.

“I felt in the first half it was a bit too slow and a bit too passive. We have 60/70% of the ball but are not really hurting teams enough. So, it is tidying up on the set plays against, and then playing with a little bit more zip through the thirds.” 

Mark Robins Sky Blue’s side will be a tough challenge for the Swans this weekend. Despite losing two of their key players of last season accumulating 30 of their 58 league goals in Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Hamer and ex-Swans Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres, the statement performance in the 3-0 win over a strong Middlesbrough side at the Coventry City Building Society Stadium last time out shows the Midlander’s are still a tough nut to crack.

“I was at the play-off final, and they were really unlucky. Mark [Robins] has done an unbelievable job, but it goes to show you in every walk of life it takes time to implement things,” continued Duff. 

“He has started to put processes and implement what it is he wants his team to look like and now you look at the whole team and when they make a signing, they look like a Mark Robins player. 

“They have a clear way of playing and have made some good money from player sales but have recruited well. 

“It is not a blueprint, but it is a way of doing it slowly and steadily, not just chasing the golden goose and trying to do it in two years and you’re in receivership.

“Whilst that good work has been going on, he has implemented a style of play and has been dealing with off-field problems. Sometimes that can bring you together and almost unify the playing staff. 

“You look at the start they had last year, it wasn’t particularly good, but they didn’t panic. There is a belief in what they do. There are no knee-jerk reactions in that they lose a couple of games and let’s rip it up and start again. It has been proven to be successful because of the time given.” 

Duff revealed his side has a full bit of health leading up to the game with Nathan Wood recovering from a knock but feels new signing Nathan Tjoe-A-On will take a bit of time to build match fitness having not featured in pre-season.

“Unfortunately, like a few of the ones we have been bringing in he is not fit. He hasn’t played any minutes of pre-season so we’re going to have to build him up,” explained Duff.

“Today is the first time he has trained fully. He is fit but not football fit. He is a left back, but we will also be looking to bring another one in there as well I would imagine. It is trying to get a little bit more balance within the squad.

“It is pleasing and frustrating because you’re getting people in, but they are not fit. We are going to have to integrate them and get them fit on the job. The positive is there’s another body in the building and he is left-footed.”