Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swans manager has seen his side move from an eighteen game unbeaten league record to conceding seven in three which has yielded a return of just one point in that period and seen the Swans lead disappear from fourteen points down to six.
However, with a midweek trip to Bristol Rovers giving the ideal opportunity for that to be extended – neither Carlisle or Doncaster play in midweek – Roberto believes that this now shows the true character of his side rather than a winning streak.
Sections of the fanbase have pointed at the lack of loan signings in the window to date and Roberto was keen to stress to the press that he wasn't immediately planning to dip into the loan market ahead of that window shutting in just over a weeks time. Three of the Swans next four fixtures are away – Bristol Rovers, Southend and Hartlepool – and despite an excellent away record – Saturday's defeat was their first in thirteen – none of those immediately at the moment suggest three points for the Swans. But on the positive side I suspect neither did places like Doncaster, Huddersfield and Tranmere – all places the Swans have won at this season.
Speaking after the game, Roberto said “We’ve 30 points to play for and if we play like ourselves we will be all right
“But if we play like that first half-hour – when we lacked intensity and what we’re good at – it’s not going to be accepted at this football club.
“We’ve got 10 games to go, we’ve got to regroup and get that competition in our squad.
“I’m not looking at how many wins we need. We’ve got a great points tally but what we have now is a real test of character, not just for the squad, who have shown a great attitude all season, but for the supporters.”
And one thing that should be remembered is – irrespective of beliefs – everybody wants the same thing.
