Monk: Swansea sack reports driven by ‘agenda’

Swansea City manager Garry Monk suggests reports he is to be sacked by the Welsh club are driven by a media “agenda”.

Monk was tipped as a future England manager earlier in the season but his side’s poor form – they have won only one game since August – has seen his position come under question.

However the 36-year-old insists he is not worried about his future at the Liberty Stadium.

When asked whether Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth could be his final fixture in charge, he replied: “No, not for myself. I don’t live my life like that.

“If I spent my time worrying about those things you wouldn’t be able to do your job.

“Of course I’ve been disappointed with some of the things which have been written. A lot of it has been irresponsible.

“I think it’s people trying to take things out of context and having an agenda behind it.”

The Swans are five points above the Premier League relegation zone having lost five of their last eight matches.

Following the defeat to Norwich City, Monk spoke to chairman Huw Jenkins, but says his future was not under scrutiny.

“I have a great relationship with Huw. We have regular communication all the time,” he added.

“What you’ve learned from management in recent seasons is that, if you don’t pick up results in a short space of time, your job can become under threat.

“But I don’t need anyone to tell me that. No-one has told me that, so it’s just a case of focusing on my job.”

While Monk’s future is under somewhat of a cloud, so too is his assistant manager, Pep Clotet’s.

Spaniard Clotet is understood to be in the running to be Championship side Brentford’s next permanent manager.

“To be honest I wasn’t surprised by the speculation because of the calibre of coach that Pep is,” Monk said.

“Having worked so closely with Pep, he’s been incredible for me.

“He’s as fully committed to his job and this club as I am. We’ve discussed the speculation, but it’s nothing other than speculation.”