Luke Williams | We have to bring the energy and intensity

Luke Williams wants his side to bring energy and intensity when they face Stoke City this afternoon (3pm) in their final fixture before the international break. 

The Swans will be looking to return to winning ways following Wednesday’s loss against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The narrow defeat saw the Swans enjoy spells of control and Williams’ side made it a challenging affair for the Blades who are unbeaten this campaign. 

Williams felt there were plenty of positives to take from the performance and urges his side to build on that display this afternoon. 

“We have to find the energy, the intensity and the quality to play one more game in this block before a bit of recovery,” said Williams. 

“It’s going to be a really tough game. It certainly looks like they’ve found their feet and they’ll be full of confidence after their win in midweek so we’ll have to be on top form.”

The Potters will be led at the Swansea.com Stadium by Narcis Pelach who was appointed head coach last month following the departure of Steven Schumacher and Williams believes the Spaniard has a bright future at the club. 

“I think their new manager is going to do very well, I was lucky to meet him just a few weeks ago because he was on the staff with a different club,” he added. 

“He’s very enthusiastic and I hear a lot of good things about him as a coach and how he can put his ideas across to the group. Watching the team it’s quite evident that that’s the case. 

“They’re a team that are sort of being reborn at the moment and we’re going to have to be on our guard for that.” 

Tomorrow’s fixture is dedicated to recognising the work done by the club’s academy and Williams believes there is a lot to celebrate.

“We have a lot to celebrate because there are a lot of graduates in the squad and playing minutes on the pitch,” expressed Williams. 

“A lot of graduates are also training with the first-team on a regular basis and more graduates are out on loan in the league getting minutes and playing well so there is a lot to celebrate. 

“There is a lot of good work done in the academy and there has been for years.”