Alfie Mawson says Carlos Carvalhal brings new energy to Swansea City's survival fight
The Swans defender also insists his future remains at the club, amid reported interest from West Ham
Thursday 28 December 2017 16:24, UK
Alfie Mawson has praised the newly-appointed Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal for taking the job and believes the Portuguese manager can bring energy and positivity to the struggling side.
Carvalhal agreed a deal on Wednesday to take over at Swansea until the end of the season with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, having managed just 13 points from their first 20 games.
The 52-year-old boss parted company with Sheffield Wednesday after losing 2-1 to Middlesbrough at the weekend, leaving the side 14th in the Championship.
Mawson admits that Carvalhal faces a "big job" to try and keep Swansea in the top flight but said the new manager, who travelled to the club overnight to meet the squad, has arrived with enthusiasm and energy.
"It is a big job," said Mawson. "I credit him for coming because a lot of managers would have turned their nose up at this opportunity.
"We haven't been performing well enough and that is down to us but fair play to him [Carvalhal] to come in and say: 'I believe in the ability of the squad' and hopefully we can turn things around.
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"We have got to take that on to the pitch. You could bring in any manager in the world but if the players don't want to work then that is down to us.
"We need to feed off his energy. When he came in he was very animated, positive and energetic. I think that is what we need, an uplifting character."
Mawson is reportedly a transfer target for West Ham but the defender says his future is committed to the Swans and insists he wants to stay with the club even if they are relegated at the end of the season.
He said: "Whatever happens, happens. If offers come in then that is nothing to do with me. All I can do is affect my performances. I'm a Swansea player and I want to do well here.
"I don't want to be in this position again. I don't like having conversations about where we are in the league. I want to be a Swansea player in this league.
"It is flattering to hear certain things but I'm here and I have got to do what I can for this club.
"I'm contracted for another two-and-a-half years after this, whether that is Championship or hopefully in the Premier League, I am signed to be here so that's all it is at the moment, it's just talk."
