Joe Allen | We need to be more consistent in our intensity and aggression

Joe Allen and the rest of the Swansea City squad will return for the start of pre-season training in July knowing they need to be ready to take a consistent step up in energy, intensity and aggression in the coming campaign.

Midfielder Allen was among the players who returned to Fairwood over the last two weeks for off-season training and testing, with head coach Luke Williams and his staff keen to refocus minds and monitor progress before preparations for the 2024-25 season begin in earnest.

Allen, who recently penned a new one-year contract with the Swans, is itching to get back down to work after enjoying a strong run of form following Williams’ appointment in January.

The vastly-experienced former Wales international has identified the south Wales derby win over Cardiff in March as a sign of what Swansea are capable of, and views those levels as ones the squad have to find the mentality to match and then surpass on a consistent basis.

“The gaffer has really stressed that point, that has to be the benchmark that we build from,” he said.

“People may feel that it’s natural to have a little extra intensity and aggression around a derby game, as professional players there is no excuse not to be like that week in and week out.

“I am sure supporters would agree with that, so it is on us as players to approach every game – and while you cannot win every game and match, or perform to your best every match – there is absolutely no reason why you cannot have that intensity, aggression and energy going into every game.”

Allen also believes that derby victory carries a wider resonance in terms of the bond between the supporters and the team, and the power it carries on and off the pitch.

“When you have days like that, they are so important because it shows everyone what we are capable of when everything comes together and how powerful that is,” he said.

“That day was incredible, from the arrivals through to the game and the aftermath, we more than deserved the result we got on the day.

“We played so well, and all the things we had been working on since the manager came in had come together and it was an example of why we do that work and it did also show we were making progress.

“It was really important, personally it was my first start in a derby in a number of years. I had the thrill of coming on to be part of one of the wins last season, but it is that little bit more special when you are out on the pitch right from the start.”