Carlos: Courage will be key

Carlos Carvalhal has told his players that courage will be key as Swansea City go in search of a shock result at Manchester City.

The Swans face what Carvalhal believes will be their toughest assignment of the season when they take on the newly crowned champions at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm).

Pep Guardiola’s side have lost only two Premier League games all season – away at Liverpool and at home to Manchester United – and sealed the title with five fixtures still to play.

Manchester City have secured top spot in style, playing some eye-catching football en route to 28 victories in their 33 league games to date in 2017-18.

Carvalhal admits the Swans face a mighty challenge this weekend – but insists his team have a chance.

“We must have the courage to try to get some points,” said the Swans manager.

“We are playing very good football – I believe we are one of the teams in the bottom half of the table who are playing good football.

“When we have the chance to be more offensive we will take risks, and that’s because we have confidence in the team.

“We are training to play with the ball, so let’s see if we can put our football on the pitch.

“It will be difficult because they have a very strong defensive organisation – they make things very difficult for their opponents.

“But we will try to play our football and we will try to block them defensively. We go there to compete.”

Carvalhal has described Guardiola as one of the finest managers in footballing history, and feels his team are worthy champions.

“They are the best team in in the Premier League,” he added.

“At home especially they are very powerful and we understand this is the most difficult challenge of the season. When they play at their top level, they are very difficult to beat.

“We know we will spend a lot of time defending. Every team does when they play Manchester City.

“But if they are distracted or not at their best, there may be a little chance for us.

“As I always say, if there is one per cent chance, we must have 100 per cent faith, so let’s fight and see what happens.”