Swansea City boss Gary Monk praised his side’s “magnificent” performance in the goalless Europa League last-32 first-leg draw against Napoli at the Liberty Stadium and he feels they can progress in the away leg.
Monk has enjoyed a promising start since replacing Michael Laudrup in the managerial hotseat in south Wales with two draws, a victory and a defeat to date.
However he felt the draw against Rafael Benitez’s high-flying Italian Serie A outfit on Thursday evening was the best to date, although he admitted to being slightly disappointed that they will not travel to Naples next Thursday without at least a one-goal advantage.
But with a tough Premier League trip to face former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers’ Champions League chasing Liverpool on Sunday, “proud” Monk is certain the display against Napoli “is a great confidence boost for the players”.
Looking ahead to the second-leg in Italy, a confident Monk said: “We have competed with Napoli once, and we can definitely compete with them again.
“We have to be aware it is a different environment, a very hostile one, but what an experience for us to have. To be in with a shout, I guess that’s all we could have asked for.
“To be in a good position with a good chance of progressing, that’s all you can ask for.”
Link Dafabet