Skip to content

Paul Clement: Swansea's defending at Wembley should be applauded

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Tottenham 0-0 Swansea

Swansea manager Paul Clement says good defending should be applauded after his side earned a 0-0 against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday.

Spurs had over 70 per cent of the possession and the majority of the chances at Wembley, but could not break down a stubborn Swansea side.

Clement was proud of his side's performance, and says succeeding with a defensive approach should be praised.

Paul Clement admits he expected more from his Swansea side in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle
Image: Paul Clement insists good defending should be applauded, not criticised

"I think good defending should be applauded. If you got to Italy, you know that's something they are very proud of and clearly we want to attack better and have a little bit more control of the game, but we always have to be realistic.

"I would have liked to have created more chances, but I think good defending should be looked on positively."

"I thought we defended very well and we had to, we had to defend very well. I was pleased with the character and discipline and the effort of the players today, especially after our performance last week at home where I thought we were complacent in our performance, but I couldn't say that today.

"I was actually very proud of the physical effort that they had to put in to get that point and also the strong mentality that they had to show because we were under pressure for you know long, long periods.

Also See:

Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder Dele Alli (L) and Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane react to  missing a chance during the English Premi
Image: Dele Alli and Harry Kane of Spurs show their frustration

"If someone had said before the game you're going to have a nil-nil at Wembley against a really good Tottenham side I would have taken it, and as the game progressed and from what I saw I feel the same about that as well."

Clement replaced new midfielder Renato Sanches, on-loan from Bayern Munich, with Leroy Fer after 58 minutes in a game where Swansea took a cautious approach.

"Sanches is rebuilding confidence after a turbulent year at Bayern," said Clement. "We knew he wouldn't be lighting things up straight away here, he is getting used to the pace of the Premier League. It takes a bit of time to get up to speed."

If you are using skysports.com you can comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.

Fantasy Six-a-Side
Fantasy Six-a-Side

Pick your team for Manchester United v Everton for free to win the guaranteed £5k jackpot.

Around Sky