Swansea City travel to the King Power Stadium to play last year's Premier League champions Leicester City on Saturday, and Francesco Guidolin is looking for revenge over his old Italian friend Claudio Ranieri. The Swans lost both games heavily last season against Leicester, 0-3 at home and 4-0 at the King Power Stadium.
Guidolin asks for courage from his team
The Swansea boss has called for courage from his team, asking them to reverse last seasons losses against The Foxes. In his press conference at the Liberty Stadium yesterday Guidolin said that Swansea "have to remember" and "reflect on those results".
“We need to play a clever game this weekend, and we also need to play a courageous game against a very good team," he added.
Speaking about the Foxes' season so far, Guidolin stated that "they were not lucky" against Hull City on the opening day, before drawing with Arsenal. He stated that his side must "play with courage" in order to get a positive result.
Ollie McBurnie in Saturday's squad, reveals the boss
Guidolin also revealed that Ollie McBurnie will be part of the squad traveling to Leicester on Saturday, after his impressive performance against League One team Peterborough United in the EFL Cup in midweek, where he bagged a couple of goals. Although he will be part of the squad for Saturday, Guidolin is yet to decide as to whether he will play any part in proceedings.
He said that "Oli is a player who is improving", praising the youngster for his "enthusiasm". However, he did attempt to keep McBurnie's head on the ground, saying that he must "improve again" in order to hold down a firm place in the squad.
The Swansea fans are eager to see their new signing Borja Baston. However, it seems they will have to wait until after the international break for him to make his debut.
On the subject of the fitness of Borja Baston, the Swans boss quipped; "I think next week he will be ready to work with us. It’s not a good moment for him (to get injured) because he is a new player – he would like to play and show his qualities. But it’s not a big injury and we need a little bit of patience. I think on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, he can work with us."
Search for new Centre-half
Meanwhile, Swansea are still in the process of trying to sign a new centre-half to replace former captain Ashley Williams after his move to Everton. As reported last week, the Swans have drawn up a short-list of six or seven players that could fit the bill. Thomas Heurtaux, unfortunately, won't be one of those players, after breaking his jaw last week when playing for Udinese against Roma. Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is the man in charge of procuring a new defender.
Guidolin said that "my focus is on Leicester" and that "our chairman is working" on the transfers. He admitted his need for a centre-back, saying that although he's "happy" with what he has now, "the season is long so we need another one".
Neil Taylor playing for Swans Under 23's
Swans left-back Neil Taylor will also be missing from tomorrow's match as he is still not 100% fit. The Wales international has asked to play in tonight's Under 23's game against West Ham, so that he can speed up his match fitness. On Taylor's match fitness, his manager said: "He asked me yesterday if he could play for the under-23s because his fitness is not 100 per cent after Euro 2016."