Brendan Rodgers says that teams will have respect coming to the Liberty as the Swans look to defend a proud home record
As the Swans start the first of two home games in four days, only two goals have been scored by opposing teams at the Liberty – one by Manchester United and the other a Danny Graham own goal against Bolton.
And QPR arrive this afternoon looking to break that record but Rodgers said “Everyone will have respect for us
“For any team at this level to have conceded only two goals at Christmas is a heck of an achievement, to do it as a newly promoted side is an even greater one.
“There’s no doubt there will be that respect.
“QPR have invested quite a bit, Neil’s a very experienced manager and he will know at this stage there is no panic.
“They will be confident going into the game because of their away record, likewise us because of our home record.
“If you listen to some of the experienced managers who have been around this level for a few years, they believe Norwich, QPR and Swansea have a realistic chance of doing well,” said Rodgers.
“Which is interesting because these are men who have been around the league and have seen many teams over the years.
“There’s no doubt across the year away from home it has not been outstanding.
“But no matter how your away form develops for you, you can still have success.
“We weren’t overly outstanding last year but we got the success and achieved the objective we set out to achieve. It is the identical idea this year.
“Look at Manchester United, their away form wasn’t great last year and they had excellent home form.
“This year their away form is outstanding and maybe it’s taken a blip at home.
“Provided we pick up points it does not matter if they come home or away.
“We have the players with the mentality to win anywhere, and it will come away.
“There is a natural pressure of course, they really want to win but we know the consequence if you don’t pick up results. I don’t need to reinforce that,” said Rodgers.
“What I want them to do is to continue playing good football and in the main it’s been very good.
“I know if we continue to enhance and develop our style it will bring results.”