Pablo relishing Euro adventure
13th March
Pablo Hernandez believes the Swans will flourish on the continent - but insists domestic matters remain the focus at the Liberty.
Michael Laudrup will lead the Swans into the Europa League next season after lifting the Capital One Cup at Wembley last month.
Hernandez is no stranger to European competitions, having experienced both the Europa League and Champions League during his time at Valencia.
It means he is well versed in the tactical and physical demands of continental football.
And the Spanish international feels the Swans' style will help the club in their first taste of the Europa League.
"It's great for everyone at the club that we are playing in Europe next season," said Hernandez, who became the Swans' record-signing after joining from Valencia in August.
"European football has so many benefits - for the club, the players, the staff and, of course, the supporters.
"I think it is also a proud moment for the club to be a part of the Europa League.
"We won the club's first big trophy and now we are in the top half of the Premier League, so to go into Europe next season is very pleasing for us. We will learn a lot from it.
"It is a competition to enjoy. I think with the way we play it will suit us in Europe.
"You see some British teams go into the Europa League or Champions League and they find there's a big difference in how the opposition play and set up.
"But we play in a way which is common around Europe, particularly in Spain, so that should help us in the Europa League."
But before the Jack Army get their passports ready for the European adventure, the Swans will be focusing on domestic matters.
Laudrup's side have nine Barclays Premier League fixtures remaining, starting with Arsenal at the Liberty on Saturday.
Currently ninth in the table - seven points clear of the bottom half and the same total adrift of the fifth-placed Gunners - the Swans are hoping to finish the season in style.
And Hernandez is keen to ensure the good work already put in by the squad continues as the campaign nears the finishing line.
"It has been a great season so far for us and we want to finish the season with a good run of results," added the 27-year-old.
"But if we don't play to the high standards which I've seen all season, then we know we will have bad results because this league is so strong.
"If we finish the season in bad form, I think that affects what we have done earlier in the season.
"As a squad our challenge is now to finish not just in the position we are in, but higher than that."