Monk – These Are Huge, Huge Games For Us

The Swansea City captain has told his team mates the importance of the games that they face in the next 15 days and called on everyone to be calm as the team push for the play off spot that their season deserves.

Speaking ahead of the first of those three games – against Barnsley at the Liberty, Monk said “These are huge, huge games for us

“When you look at the next few weeks, starting against Barnsley, they’re the some of the biggest in the club’s history. We can’t underestimate that.

“We’ve done well this season and we want to finish the job and stay in the top six.

“But you can’t forget that it’s not just about finishing in the top six, it’s about getting into the Premier League.

“We set our own standards here as a team and as individuals, and after the Bristol City match I said to the lads too many of us fellow below them. Now we need a reaction.

“I’ve said to them this is a chance to change our lives forever. It’s a chance to change our families’ lives.

“And it’s a chance to deliver something for the supporters that would change theirs. That’s how big this opportunity is for all of us. We can’t underestimate that and hopefully we can take it on board.

“It’s all there for us,” added Monk. “It’s in our hands and it’s in our ability to finish the job.

“We’ve shown we’re a good side already. Last summer I was as worried as anyone else after everything that happened and losing key players, taking 40 goals out of the side.

“But when we came together I was confident we could have a good season. People might have thought I was only saying it because I’m captain but I honestly believed it.

“We’ve shown that but I always thought we could be up here fighting and we’re good enough to come through.”

And although the play-off pressure is well and truly on, Monk added: “People are talking about our form and this and that, what it could mean if we lose but this is great.

“Look at the situation we’re in, we’re fighting for all the right reasons. It’s pressure but it’s a great pressure and look at all the other teams that would swap with us right now.

“We should be embracing this pressure and enjoying it because of the opportunity in front of us.”