Clement wants cheers for clash against Clarets
PAUL Clement has issued a rallying cry to Swansea City’s supporters as they prepare for Saturday’s key Premier League clash with Burnley.
Head coach Clement has overseen a considerable improvement in Swansea’s fortunes to help the Welsh club climb out of the relegation zone.
Despite the weekend defeat at Chelsea, the Welsh club remain two points clear of the bottom three heading into a run of games which give them a great opportunity to take big strides towards safety and potentially avoid a nerve-jangling final run-in.
Following Burnley’s visit to the Liberty are fixtures against Hull, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough, three teams who also find themselves in relegation trouble.
Burnley have the worst away record in the Premier League having picked up just two of their 31 points on the road, recording just two draws in 12 games on their travels.
It means Swansea will be targeting a full three-point haul against the Clarets to boost their survival chances.
And Clement – sensing the newfound positivity around the club’s on-field fortunes – hopes the Liberty is once again a raucous and intimidating venue.
“When I came I sensed the frustration at the club, and that was not just from the players, but from the supporters too because they were not seeing the team play the way you like to see them play,” he said.
“The results were not going the way you would like, but the fans getting behind the players is a massive help. When confidence is low, there is nothing worse than going out on to the field and playing with a fear that your own fans are frustrated with you.
“First of all, the players need credit for the effort they have put in to get the results, but right behind them have been the supporters and that has been a big lift for everyone.
“I can sense the change in mood, the positivity around the club and the city. I feel that responsibility, I came here wanting the challenge but it is a lot easier when everyone is on board with what you are trying to do.
“That goes from the players and, even more importantly, the supporters. Having 20,000 people right behind you makes a big difference to how we perform.
“We have been on a good run but there is no complacency, the players have been very professional.
“They know there is a huge amount to be done, I smell that. We are all pushing because as quick as we got here, we can fall back.
“We all have a part to play in ensuring this club is still playing at the highest level of English football next season.”