I need more from Mesa if I’m going to pick him, insists boss
SWANSEA boss Paul Clement admits Roque Mesa’s “adaptation period” is over and that the Spaniard has to do more if he wants to get into the starting lineup.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Swans from Las Palmas in an £11million deal in the summer, but has made just three Premier League appearances, including a solitary start.
His lack of involvement in the side has become a major frustration for supporters given Swansea’s midfield options could hardly be said to have impressed over the opening months of the season.
But Clement – who has previously said it was down to a requirement for Mesa to adjust to his new surroundings – has given more of an insight into his thinking, saying Mesa’s lack of consistency on the training pitch and in games mean he has regularly missed out on selection.
“I have to be honest and say that adaptation period is over,” said Clement when asked about Mesa.
“We’re into November and he, as well as the other players, will be picked on merit.
“Clearly because he hasn’t played, probably his confidence is a bit low. Even on a subconscious level, confidence is a bit low.
“Yesterday, I didn’t see him so good in training. Today, I saw him really good. When I see signs of consistency, the player, or a player, will get his chance.”
However, Clement acknowledged that Mesa is far from being the only player in his squad who is struggling to make a compelling case for regular selection. “It’s about that day-today consistency, I take into consideration the games as well,” he said.
“So I look back at the last week and look at individual performances, and there aren’t enough players at the moment saying ‘I’m playing at a level where I’m in the team’. That’s why you see changes.
“I don’t want to be doing that. I want to see consistency from players and from the team and when I see that, the team will settle.
“At the moment, it’s not. So when someone really is not playing well, I think someone else maybe deserves to have that opportunity to show that.”
But the former Bayern Munich assistant insists Swansea do not want to sell Mesa, who signed a four-year deal at the Liberty in July.
The midfielder has been linked with a loan move to Malaga in January, but Clement made clear he was not aware of any contact from the Spanish club.