Source: Team_Talk
Rodgers ready for tough test
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has warned his players they will face a tough test as they look to record a first win of the season against Wigan.[LNB] The Liberty Stadium contest will be the first Premier League game to be played in Wales, and sees the Swans looking to bounce back from their opening 4-0 defeat at Manchester City on Monday night.[LNB]While not many would have expected the south Wales club to compete with big-spending City, it is likely that Swansea's fate come the end of the season will be decided by how they fare against the likes of Wigan and other clubs expected to finish in the bottom half.[LNB]But Rodgers is keen to point out that there is no lack of talent in former Swansea manager Roberto Martinez's squad.[LNB]He said: "They have very good players, this is their seventh season in the Premier League so they are an established Premier League club and they have the resources and finances over a number of years to build a good squad.[LNB]"They have some players I know well. I worked with Franco Di Santo at Chelsea, he is big and strong and always very motivated.[LNB]"There is Victor Moses, this could be a big year for Victor, he is a wonderful technician and is strong on both sides and has the ability to score goals.[LNB]"Young (James) McCarthy is a good player and played a lot of games last season and is a good football talent, and (Hugo) Rodallega is a talent as well so they have very good players.[LNB]"But I believe in the group I have, it's a real special group, they are honest. Some of our players have come from League Two to Premier League and come into every game ready to give their maximum."[LNB]While Monday's defeat at the Etihad Stadium was a tough Premier League baptism, Rodgers felt there was plenty for his side to take from the game, especially a first half where they managed to hold their own.[LNB]Rodgers, who revealed he had congratulated his players on the display, said: "There were many positives, I thought the score was a little harsh on us but at the same time they have world class players. Some of the play leading up to their goals was very good.[LNB]"But for us there is confidence in the fact that we can go and continue to play how we played all the way through last season.[LNB]"We understand there are certain areas to tighten up, but to see the players express themselves, keep the ball and even dominate the game with the ball against a world class outfit like Manchester City, I was very, very encouraged.[LNB]"Everyone could recognise that as the season goes on we will get better and if we play with that confidence we will do well."
