Swans stalwart
Alan Tate is looking forward to the tough test that MLS leaders San Jose Earthquakes will pose at the Buck Shaw Stadium tonight (7.30pm, 2.30am BST).
With the Quakers in the middle of their season and top of the Western Division, it will be the hardest test of the club’s pre-season tour of the USA after losing 2-1 to Colorado Rapids and beating Ventura Fusion 1-0.
“San Jose will be a tough test for us,’’ declared Tate. “But you don’t want easy games in pre-season. You want teams to test you.
“They are in the middle of their season and will be fitter and match sharp, but it’s up to us to get to that level.
“Our first two games were tough, especially against Colorado because of the altitude. It’s not all about results at this stage because it’s about getting your fitness, sharpness and building partnerships ready for our trip to QPR on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.
“Results are always nice though because it gets you in the winning habit, so we will be looking for the right result against San Jose.
“Everyone will be out to impress the new manager as well, because that’s what happens when a new man comes in.
“Training has been different to what we’ve been used to, but he was always going to put his own mark on things.
“The manager gets paid to pick the team and he’ll do that on what he’s seen whether that’s in training, friendlies or on video.’’
It will be the club’s final tour fixture before they return to the Liberty Stadium on Thursday.
You can see the full interview with Alan Tate on Swans Player now by clicking HERE.