Mawson concerned with Swans’ defensive issues
Alfie Mawson admits Swansea’s defensive frailties are ramping up the threat of relegation after entering the New Year rock bottom of the Premier League following a heavy defeat to Bournemouth.
The Swans were thoroughly outclassed by a side many considered to be fellow relegation candidates, with a 3-0 hammering the worst possible way to end the year on home soil.
Mawson and co. looked all at sea at times in their 13th league defeat of the campaign, enough to leave them four points adrift of safety at the halfway point, with plenty of work for expected new manager Paul Clement to undertake.
And with 44 goals conceded in 19 games – the most of anyone in the league – 22-year-old Mawson insists it’s not difficult to work out where their weaknesses lie.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“Things are not going right for us on the pitch and it is showing,” he said.
“We knew we had to go out there and put in the performances, but we did the opposite against Bournemouth.
“They came here with a game-plan and executed it well and deserved the three points.
“When a team like that come and play well, they are ruthless.
“I am gutted with the goals we conceded. Every goal kills our game and the number we are conceding on a regular basis is concerning.”
Following last month’s sacking of Bob Bradley, the Swans are preparing for their third manager of the season after Francesco Guidolin was also axed back in October.
And with former Derby County manager and Bayern Munich assistant Clement on the cusp of taking the reins, Mawson is hoping a new face can prove its worth heading into the rest of the campaign.
“I feel we can turn things around but we need to pull together and push on in 2017,” the centre-back added.
“We must start to get results as soon as possible because the more games that go by without us picking up points, the further we get from safety.
“Hopefully a new manager will have a positive impact and we can turn things around in the coming games.”
