Guidolin discusses Sigurdsson and future targets

Mark Holmes
Gylfi Sigurdson: New contract

Gylfi Sigurdson: New contract

Francesco Guidolin expects Gylfi Sigurdsson to be in demand this summer but is hopeful the Iceland playmaker will stay at Swansea City.

Sigurdsson swept the board at the Swansea awards on Wednesday night when he was named the Supporters’ Player and Players’ Player of the Year among picking up other gongs.

The 26-year-old has played a huge role in Swansea’s successful battle to stay in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals, and Guidolin accepts there will be interest from other clubs.

“I hope Gylfi will stay because he’s an important player for us,” said Guidolin, who signed a two-year extension on Wednesday to stay at Swansea.

“I’m sure other teams are interested in him. But I don’t know what will happen in the future.

Swansea targets for next season

After being appointed in January when the club were only two points clear of the relegation zone, Guidolin took 24 points from his 15 matches to ensure Swansea would be spending a sixth straight season in the top flight next term.

The 60-year-old Italian secured his future in south Wales with impressive back-to-back wins over Liverpool and West Ham, in which his side scored seven goals.

And Swansea could even finish in the top half of the Premier League if they beat Manchester City at home in their final game on Sunday, and Stoke fail to take three points against West Ham.

But Guidolin insists the target next season is a simple one.

“Next season 40 points is the priority and if it’s possible – play well,” said Guidolin.

“It’s important not to lose this, or to lose our identity.

“This season could be a lesson for the future because Swansea in the last 10 years, every year has been up, up, up.

“In football it’s not always easy to go up.

“It’s important to have a season that’s a little bit complicated to understand and learn new things.”

Transfer targets discussed

Guidolin has already told chairman Huw Jenkins the type of player he wants this summer, but admits the final decision rests with the club.

“I speak about the characteristics of new players, then the decision is down to the chairman and the club,” said former Parma and Udinese boss Guidolin.

“The chairman deals with the money. I can say something, the chairman might have another opinion.

“But there is a good communications between us, there is a relationship with the chairman.

“I’m very happy because I won my first challenge – for the club to know me.

“I can say I’ve won the first challenge, and now I begin another moment of my life.

“I was not sure because the decision was not mine, but I’m confident in myself and results helped me in this period.”