“If we don’t learn then we won’t be in the game against top teams” – Williams verdict on Leeds defeat

You sensed there was more than just a touch of frustration in the words of Luke Williams after he watched his side surrender more than just a little meekly against Leeds United at the Swansea.com Stadium.

A four goal defeat for the Swans told only part of the story as Leeds went through the Swans midfield and defence with ease and could easily have seen their scoreline almost double on a night where the Swans fell short in so many departments.

The match – and result – mirrored so many performances in recent weeks where the Swans have given up the game in the early stages and then never got back into the game as a result with so many players going missing on the night once again.

The simple fact is in these games, the Swans appear to be affording way too much respect to their opponents and that is creating gaps between the teams that are much bigger than they could be.   Nobody is doubting that Leicester, Leeds and Southampton are the three best sides in the division but we have showed little fight to want to even try and compete with them in recent weeks.

Williams was not necessarily holding back though with his thoughts after the game as he said “We got blown away. I know they’re a top side, but we have to learn to play football at a higher intensity.

“If we don’t learn to play football like that, then you can’t play against the top teams or even be in the game.

“We were far too deep last time we played a top team here and couldn’t get any pressure or actions at the other end of the pitch and it was over after 15 minutes.

“This time, we tried to be more aggressive, but you have to commit completely to that and we didn’t do that either.

“So, it’s over again, before we can even make a foothold in the game. We have to learn to play at a much higher level of football so we can start competing.

“There was too much hesitation, we were too scared to fully commit to the press because we don’t want to get picked off, but if you stand off good players they’re going to pick you off anyway.

“We have to play with a higher level of intensity and concentration, and be braver.”

The frustration right now is that these words are used on a frequent basis but the players are not actually changing.   To watch largely a team of players last night seemingly going through the motions it tells you why there is a host of empty seats in the stadium with so many fans of many years choosing to stay at home and watch from the comfort of their own sofa or, more likely, doing something that entertains them because our football so often in the past few years has failed to do that.

Very slowly over what is now six years in this division we have been dismantled from being a club that could compete in the top end of the Championship to one which is destined to exit the division in the opposite direction.   Just take a simple look at the players in last nights game and ask yourselves how many would be snapped up by a Championship rival.   You won’t need a second hand if you are counting on your fingers.

Williams needs to be placing a rocket under so many this morning and ensuring that they really are aware they are playing for their futures and not just stealing the living that they are currently demonstrating they are.