Survival is still in our own hands says Carlos
SWANSEA boss Carlos Carvalhal has dismissed the growing threat of relegation by claiming his club remain in charge of their own destiny.
Defeat at Bournemouth made it seven games without a win for the Welsh strugglers.
And this latest reverse on the road means they now face a massive shootout for safety on Tuesday night – against Southampton.
That clash at the Liberty Stadium could well decide if one of those two clubs finds itself crashing into the Championship.
Yet, despite his side’s poor form during the run-in, Carvalhal refuses to accept they have handed the initiative to their relegation rivals from the south coast.
The Portuguese coach, whose men also host doomed Stoke a week today, said: “Why should I be concerned?
“When you have the things in your own hands, it’s something that you can do – so let’s do it.
“In the circumstances, the Southampton game will decide a lot of things. But we have known that since I arrived.
“It’s a home game and we are much better at home – with our fans making a big impact.
“The reality is we have two home games left. So we are happy about that.
“We don’t need to rely on what others are doing. In this moment, it’s down to us.
“That’s why I believe we will stay in the Premier League.”
Bournemouth’s first win in four – courtesy of Ryan Fraser’s strike before the break – means they are safe for an impressive third successive season.
Afterwards delighted Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: “What a contrast in emotions from last weekend. We’re very relieved to get the job done.
“It doesn’t get easier to stay up the longer you are in the Premier League – I wish it did.
“Look at the established clubs near the bottom of the table this season and you can see the challenge gets harder every year.
“A lot of those clubs have been established in the Premier League for a long time and before we kicked a ball this season, you never had those teams where they are in the division.
“The challenge for us gets harder not easier, to improve and keep progressing is a real challenge. That is certainly how I have felt over the last three years.”