Clement: Opening game is marker for progress

Paul Clement insists Swansea City’s opening friendly fixture can be used as a marker for his side’s progress for the pre-season schedule.

The Swans went down 1-0 at League Two side Barnet as preparations continue for the start of the 2017-18 season.

Clement used 22 players in all, including new signings Roque Mesa and keeper Erwin Mulder, as his squad picked up valuable game-time.

Despite the defeat, the Swans boss felt it was a worthy exercise ahead of a three-game tour of America.

“We are disappointed not to have got the result we wanted, but for me it’s a good marker,” said Clement, who is taking charge of his first pre-season at the Swans.

“That’s what it is all about – where are we at after ten days physically, our shape, the team, what’s the spirit like?

“I am always making measurements about what we need to work on very quickly.

“I saw some things tonight that I want to work on immediately.

“There were some good things for us to take from the game.

“We used the ball well in the second half, although the end product wasn’t there. That goes down to sharpness.

“In the first half we were a lot more penetrating with our movements and got into good areas, but the final ball wasn’t there.

“The positives are that a lot of players got 45 minutes under their belts and we didn’t pick up any injuries.

“We know go to America with three games and lots of training sessions – the aim is to get to the first game against Southampton in good shape.”