Garry Monk: Swansea boss holds 'honest' talks over league plight

Garry Monk's playing career included spells at Torquay United, Southampton and Barnsley

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has held "open and honest" talks with his players as they bid to arrest their Premier League decline.

The Swans are 15th having won only one of their last 10 league matches.

They host second-placed Leicester City on Saturday, with the Foxes inspired by their record-breaking goalscorer Jamie Vardy.

"Our club will appreciate a story like that, but it's our job to maybe put an end to that story," said Monk.

Leicester mark Jamie Vardy's 11-game scoring run

"We obviously have experience of coming up through the leagues and we have players that have come through to this level.

"They [Leicester] are in top form so they're certainly not to be underestimated."

'A step in the right direction'

Monk led Swansea to their highest Premier League finish of eighth place last season, but, following his side's struggles during this campaign, his future has been under scrutiny.

The 36-year-old has said he has the "full backing" of chairman Huw Jenkins, while several prominent figures such as David Pleat have voiced their support for the former Swans captain.

Results have caused concern, however, and Swansea suffered a sixth defeat from 10 Premier League matches when they lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday.

"It was a much-improved performance, considering where we were the week before. It was much more like ourselves," said Monk.

"At the start of last week after the Bournemouth game, I sat down with all the players and had good discussions with them on how we go forward and what we need to do to improve.

"We talked about many things. We talked about the situation: 'Let's be open and honest about it'.

"It was definitely the right step to make. It's not an easy process, but it's definitely a step in the right direction."

Monk added Swansea will be without left-back Franck Tabanou for a "few weeks" because of a thigh injury sustained during training.