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Monk - We Need To Stick Together

Garry Monk says the players need to get together following the departure of Paulo Sousa

The Swansea City captain was speaking on the day after Sousa left the Liberty Stadium but didn't seem concerned about the departed manager - more about retaining the players who have remained the subject of transfer speculation.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Monk said "I'm more concerned about keeping the players we've got here because there's been a lot of speculation about them

"We've added a couple of young lads with great potential, but we also need to add players who have been there, seen it and done it to make the blend perfect.

"Hopefully, anyone who comes in will play football because that's what we like to do.-

"The chairman, board and fans have enjoyed the football we've played over the past few years, and that's what we've got to continue."

Monk said the squad had mixed feelings about Sousa's departure, but insisted it would have no bearing on their pre-season plans.

"It's the same when any manager comes or goes — some will be happy, and some won't be," he added.

"It's a case now of the players just focusing. We've been in this position before as professional footballers, so it's a case now of just making sure our pre-season programme stays the same.

"Hopefully, when the new manager comes in we'll be in good shape for when he takes over.

"Our fitness is what we have to focus on. Paulo's gone, and we have to make sure we're ready for the new manager coming in.

"Paulo felt he didn't want to stay here, he wanted to move on to another club. That's fine — the club moves on now.

"Whoever's coming in here is coming in to a great set-up, a great club, a club that wants to go forward and a club that's hungry for success."

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