Marcos Painter sees the arrival of Fedo Bessone to the Liberty as welcome competition rather than something to worry about
The left back got through last season with pretty minimal competition as Swansea's first choice - only missing out when injury or suspension dictated he had to be. But the arrival of summer recruit Bessone has brought rave reviews and the two are competing strong for the left back spot in the season opener at Charlton - now just 17 days away.
Painter recognises that competition for places is something that is needed at every club and states that he is not the only one who will need to fight to keep hold of his place. And Roberto will be aware that giving the side two options in every position should be a way of keeping players at the top of their ability and, in Painter's case, he always has an option if need be of moving him into the centre of the back line.
Speaking to today's Western Mail, Painter said “The competition for places here is massiv
“Every squad talks about it but it’s definitely the case here. There are pretty much two players for every position, so it’s not just me.
“I know personally I’ve got a fight on my hands, but I’m fine with that because you want to be kept on your toes.
“No-one should be going into the season expecting getting into the side to be easy.
“But you need that kind of edge in your squad going into this division. It’s a tough league and you need that depth of quality.”
And whilst the excitement builds in the fanbase ahead of the Championship season, Painter admits that the players are looking forward just as much to the new division
“None of us can wait,” he said. “I know from my time at Blues the kind of pressure sides like they are under, fans there won’t accept second best and there is a big expectation level.
“We won’t have that and the only pressure will be from ourselves because no-one will expect anything from us.“