Defence is the key to Swans’ survival, claims Fer

A strong defence will be key for Swansea City if they are to get themselves out of the Premier League drop zone, according to midfielder Leroy Fer.

The Dutchman’s side have lost their last two, conceding three in each game against Middlesbrough and West Brom, and Fer wants the Swans to tighten up at the back, or face the prospect of life back in the Championship.

Bob Bradley’s side have been enjoying their home comforts of late, with wins against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace and Sunderland, and with Swansea seeing out 2016 with consecutive home games, Fer is keen to make the most of the Liberty Stadium fixtures.

“We have to do better defensively,” Fer said. “We know it has to be better so we have to work on it and try to improve it.

“We have done well at home recently, winning against Crystal Palace and then Sunderland.

“The two games we have next are going to be vital, and now we have to try to win those.

“If we are going to do it, we have to play our football. That’s what we are good at – playing good football with lots of possession. That’s what we have to try to do again now.”