Paul Clement Says He’s Staying At Swans Even If Survival Bid Fails

Paul Clement insists he is going nowhere at the end of the season – even if Swansea City are relegated from the Premier League.

As the Swans gear up for their next crucial survival task at home to Everton on Saturday, the head coach has moved to eradicate any speculation over his own future.

Swansea enter the final three matches of the season two points adrift of safety, with home games against Everton and West Brom and a trip to already relegated Sunderland to come.

When Clement was appointed Swansea head coach at the start of the year, the club were bottom of the table with only 12 points from 19 games.

“When I came in January I signed a contract for the remainder of this season, plus two more,” former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager Clement said.

“I am really enjoying my time working here at the club with all the great people behind the scenes.

“There’s also a really good group of players and a fantastic set of fans as well.

“I’m very happy here and I look forward to staying here for the remainder of my contract, irrespective of the outcome this season.”

Swansea host Everton on Saturday evening hoping to cut the gap on 17th-placed Hull, who host Sunderland in an earlier kick-off.

The game marks the first return of former club captain Ashley Williams to the Liberty Stadium since his £12million switch to Merseyside at the start of the season.

Williams played over 350 games in eight years as Swansea rose through the divisions and into the Premier League.

The Wales captain also led the club to League Cup glory and a place in Europe in 2013, but some Swansea supporters have suggested on social media this week that Williams should be granted an unfriendly reception on Saturday.

“I know he (Williams) was a very good player here, as was Joe Allen, and people speak highly of him for leadership and character,” Clement said.

“We hope he has a good welcome, but that is as far as it goes. We want our fans to get behind us.

“We want the crowd to make it difficult for Everton where they can, but not for any one specific player who had played here.

“He left here on good terms having done so well over a number of years and made this club successful in getting to the Premier League.

“But now he plays for an opponent and we are desperate to win and play well.”

Williams’ place had been taken by the increasingly impressive Alfie Mawson, who has progressed into the England Under-21 set-up since completing his £5m move from Barnsley last August.

“It’s exciting for him, the journey he has had playing at all the different levels and then stepping up to play regular Premier League football,” Clement said.

“I have picked him in every league game since I’ve been here and his performances have been good.

“He has a lot to improve on still, but he is the kind of player who applies himself every day.

“If he keeps his feet on the ground he is going to get better and better.”

 

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