Swansea hit back at missing Monk rumours

Ian Watson
Gary Monk: Swansea City manager blamed poor finishing for their defeat

Gary Monk: Swansea boss was reported to be absent from training

Swansea have responded to reports that Gary Monk missed training on Wednesday amid increasing pressure at the club.

The Daily Mirror reported that Monk did not go into training at Swansea today because of personal reasons, but the club were quick to offer a response.

The official Swansea account tweeted: “Garry Monk lookalike taking training this morning.”

Swansea were beaten 1-0 by Stoke at home on Monday night and have slipped into 14th place in the table, having not won since August.

And Monk, who has been at the helm since the sacking of Michael Laudrup in February 2014, admitted his concern after Monday night’s reverse stretched their winless run to five Premier League games.

“We’re in a difficult moment because we’re not quite at the levels we need to be,” said Monk.

“That’s disappointing because we all know how capable this group of players are and the football we can produce.

“But it’s for me to work with the players, we need to work hard together and stick together and get back to the levels which we know this team can produce.

“We’ve been in difficult moments but we have to work through it.

“I’d be lying if I said I was not concerned, but I’m not overly concerned.

“We went five games last season without winning and everyone said that was a difficult period and we ended up having a fantastic season.”

Monk, whose Swansea side face fellow strugglers Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, has been cut from 40/1 to 13/8 in the Premier League sack race.

Who will be the next Premier League manager to leave their job – Monk, Sherwood or someone else? Have Your Say.