Alan Tate | We will embrace every challenge in front of us

First-team coach Alan Tate says Swansea City will embrace the challenge ahead of them after completing their pre-season campaign with a defeat to Southampton.

The Swans took the lead at the Liberty against the Premier League Saints when Liam Cullen’s cross was turned into his own net by Mohamed Salisu.

But goals from Nathan Tella, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong saw Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side run out 3-1 winners.

The next time the Swans are in action it will be in their Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in a week.

And Tate, a loyal club stalwart as a player, captain and coach, says Swansea will be ready to go, no matter the challenges they may face.

“What you saw out there, in the first half especially, is a team that is capable of performing in the Championship,” he said.

“After that is where we need some strengthening but what you have to remember is this club has always embraced a challenge.

“We will continue to do that, regardless of what is happening in and around the football club.

“We have a group of players that are very together, as you have seen today.

“Yes, we need help in terms of players coming in, but we will club together and we will stick together and there will be no excuses.

“This club will always fight and face a challenge, because that is the nature of the club and that is the nature of the city, that is the nature of the people.”