Players relishing Napoli tie, says Monk
26th February
Garry Monk insists his players are relishing the chance to make yet more history ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash against Napoli.
The Swans travelled to Italy on Wednesday ahead of the crucial last 32 second leg encounter at the Stadio San Paolo.
Last week saw the two sides play out an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium, with a place in the last 16 up for grabs on Thursday night.
But if the Swans could land a place in the next round, and set up a tie with either FC Porto or Eintracht Frankfurt, it would be another landmark moment in the club's history.
And Monk says his players are looking forward to pitting their wits against the Serie A side once again.
"I just need to prepare the players as well as I can," he said. "It's somewhere that we haven't been before as a club and I think it's going to be a very good game between two attack minded teams.
"The stadium is set back from pitch quite a bit and the atmosphere will be hostile and passionate, but certainly one that you want to be involved in as a player.
"I've spoken to all the players and they are all very much looking forward to it."
The Swans should arguably be heading into Thursday's game with a first-leg advantage following a fine display at the Liberty last week.
Napoli keeper Rafael Cabral and substitute Pepe Reina produced good individual displays to deny the home side.
However, Monk hailed his side's ability to thwart the Italians from bagging a crucial away goal in SA1.
"The only disappointment from last week was not scoring a goal, because we deserved that," he said.
"We had a number of chances, but the next most important thing is to keep a clean sheet which we did. In a knockout competition where away goals are crucial, that was the next best thing for us.
"They (Napoli) have dangerous players going forward, they are at home and their fans will expect them to win the game.
"We know it's a difficult game but it's one where we can come and put on a performance we can all be proud of."
Meanwhile, Jonjo Shelvey and Michu didn't travel to Italy due to injury.