We'll get through difficult period, says Garry Monk
19th October
Garry Monk insisted his side will regroup and get through their "difficult moment" after the Swans suffered their first home defeat of the season to Stoke City.
On a frustrating night at the Liberty Stadium for Monk's men, Bojan's third-minute penalty was enough to separate the two sides after the Spanish striker was bundled over inside the box by Ashley Williams.
The Swans' best chance of the game fell to Jonjo Shelvey, who saw a driven effort cannon back off the post on the hour-mark, while substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson also went close with a fizzing effort from long range.
But the Swans struggled to break down a resilient Stoke defence and lacked their usual fluidity on a frustrating Monday night under the lights in South Wales.
"Overall, we're in a difficult moment," admitted the Swans boss. "We haven't been at the levels that we need to be at during the last four games.
"Its disappointing, because we all know - especially myself - how capable this group of players are and the football that we can produce.
"We knew they would come and play on the counter attack tonight, and we made too many simple mistakes on the ball - simple passes went astray and they scored their goal from one of our mistakes.
"We're in a difficult moment, but we will come back in tomorrow and work hard and stick together to make sure we return to the levels that we are capable of.
"We've been in difficult moments before and we've all experienced them, but it's about working hard to come through this period.
"We went five games last season without winning and went on to have a fantastic season.
"I'm more than confident in the group that I have - it's about bringing the players' confidence back up and working with them closely.
"It's not through lack of effort and commitment, you can see that. It's our intricate passing in and around the box, which is usually so crisp, that isn't quite there.
"We didn't deliver tonight, but we will keep working hard and I'm sure we will come back strong."
Meanwhile, Stoke manager Mark Hughes was pleased with his side's performance.
"It was a good away performance," said Hughes. "We had a good plan and executed it well.
"I felt we had good control of the game and didn't allow Swansea to gain any momentum in the game.
"Then when we went up the other end, we looked a threat.
"From our perspective, it was a really good performance."
