Russell Martin | We are in a tough moment

Swansea City head coach Russell Martin admitted his side are going through a tough time after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rotherham United at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Swans had taken the lead through Joel Piroe’s 13th goal of the season just before half-time, the Dutchman controlling Ryan Manning’s cross before firing low into the bottom corner.

But the Millers hit back after the break as Chiedozie Ogbene adjusted quickly to poke home after not connecting cleanly with an initial effort from Shane Ferguson’s cross.

And the Swans boss acknowledged his side are struggling for confidence after a difficult run following the January transfer window.

“We are disappointed and frustrated with the performance, we are a team going through a really tough moment,” said the Swans boss.

“We are low on confidence and there’s a lot of anxiety in our game.

“Our performance just fed from that anxiety, and anxiety and fear kills creativity.

“It makes your legs feel heavy and you lack energy, I’ve been there as a player.

“We hoped the goal would settle everyone down, but there was a moment right at the end of the first half that sort of summed up the whole thing.

“We were one on one inside their box with a chance to take someone on, and we turned around and passed backwards.

“There was not enough courage, but it is understandable with young guys out there who are going through this moment for the first time.

“We concede a rubbish goal, but then we also don’t have a real period of pressure in their final third.

“That lack of confidence comes from anxiety and from recent results, and it just carried into tonight.

“We were braver in the second half, the lads at the back were great, but we did not do enough to impact and affect them.

“Tonight’s performance was not as good as in recent games. We got a point which is a saving grace, but we have got to be braver than we were in the first half.”