Swans All Shook Up In Richmond But On Track For New Season

Francesco Guidolin is happy with Swansea City’s pre-season progress despite getting the frighteners in the second match of their North American tour.

The Swans lost their final game 2-0 to United Soccer League outfit Richmond Kickers after the game was halted for 95 minutes due to an electrical storm.

A Jordi Amat own goal had given the home side the lead before the players were forced from the pitch three minutes before half-time.

Guidolin sent out a completely different XI when the players returned but any hopes of a fight-back were dashed when Anthony Grant struck the winner.

But Guidolin – whose men beat Charlotte Independence 4-0 in the first game – said: “It was a difficult test because we played against a good team who were very, very quick.

“We were a little bit tired in this period, but that’s normal. It’s normal in pre-season to have performances which are up and down.

“I think the players have worked very, very hard in this period and in this game as well.

“It was an good test for us because it is important at this stage to get used to the rhythm of games again.

“I am not worried about the results. I know at this time in pre-season we can have performances which are up and down. This is normal.”

Guidolin will soon be boosted by the return of Lukasz Fabianski, Neil Taylor, Ki Sung-Yueng, Jefferson Montero, Gylfi Sigurdsson and skipper Ashley Williams as they resume their pre-season preparations back in South Wales..

The Italian added:“It has been a good trip for us. We have worked well. It’s a good country and the weather is good – maybe a little bit too hot!

“The players have built up their fitness and the most important thing is that we haven’t picked up any injuries.”

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