x

Portsmouth Is Like A Five Star Hotel

Roberto Martinez has compared the weekend trip to Portsmouth like staying at a five star hotel

The Swansea City manager takes his side to Fratton Park tomorrow looking to progress to the 5th round for only the second time since 1980.

The cup holders stand in the way of the Swans and that progress but Roberto is determined to enjoy the occasion as he, his squad and over 3,000 travelling Jacks head towards the South Coast.

And it is clear that Roberto is keen to make this a taste of things to come as he told the Evening Post "If we want to progress as a football club, the league has to be our priority

"To me it's like going to a five-star hotel for a night or buying a mansion.

"If you are successful in the league, you are buying yourself a mansion. If you have a good cup run, that's just like staying for one night in the nice hotel.

"That's why the Championship is my priority — but that doesn't mean we don't want to do well in the FA Cup.

"We are through to the fourth round, we are going into a Premier League environment to face the holders and we have the full backing of our fans.

"We recognise all that and we are taking this game very seriously.

"They have some world-class players, and they have a footballing legend as their manager.

Tony Adams's career, with England and Arsenal, was unique and he has his own ideas which are showing in his team.

"We have to be very wary because Portsmouth are a very good side, but we still hope to find a way of being ourselves.

"It's a glamorous tie for us and, if we can go and be competitive, a lot of positives will come out of it whatever the result.

"We recognise all that and we are taking this game very seriously.

"The following doesn't surprise me at all.

"Our fans have been fantastic this season.

"They have been one of our biggest strengths — and we hope to give them something back tomorrow if we can."

What to read next:

Gwyn’s Eye View : Swansea City v Millwall
Glyn is back with his favourite stats as we build up to the last game of the season. That comes in the form of Millwall who it seems are close to selling their requested 1,148 allocation, so its down to the Jack Army to do their bit this bank holiday weekend.
The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure
Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.
Jamal Lowe : Still to be contacted regards his future at Swansea, Langstaff update
We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe.
Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.
Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.
Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.
Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.
Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.