Williams to be 'psychologist' to help Swans score

Luke Williams was appointed Swansea head coach in January 2024

Swansea City head coach Luke Williams says he will play the role of a sport psychologist in order to help his players improve their finishing.

The Swans have only scored eight goals in nine Championship matches this season, having fired another blank in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Stoke City.

That was despite the fact Swansea created several chances, and Williams believes with his support his team can become more clinical.

“We’re a penny short of a pound,” Williams said after a draw which leaves his side 11th in the Championship table.

“Practice, relentless practice, then there’s a job for me to do as a sport psychologist to convince them that when they see these moments, they are opportunities for them.

“The human brain is incredible at working far quicker than we can formulate our own ideas. If the opportunity feels like a threat and the world feels like it’s closing in on you and the vision tunnels, then you’ll find a way of not fulfilling your destiny.

“But if you see it as an opportunity, then the net will bulge. I’ve worked with both type of player in my career coaching. The ones that see the threat and the ones that see the opportunity, it can change so I need to help them.

“The quickest route to changing is for the player to feel the satisfaction of the ball hitting the back of the net and all the spoils that come with that. Then that becomes very addictive.”

The Stoke game was Swansea’s last before October’s international break, and Williams confirmed last week that the Swans would have an unnamed free agent with them on trial during that period.

Following the Stoke stalemate, Williams would not be drawn on the player’s name or position and, although he recognised the need to bolster Swansea’s attacking options, the former Notts County boss offered his support for the players already at his disposal.

"Now I think it's really important for me to say that that we have Liam Cullen and VP [Zan Vipotnik]. They're recognised number nines, strikers and I'm backing them completely,” Williams said.

"I trust them and I believe in them and it's my job as well as there's and I need to help them.

"Yes, of course, if somebody comes available that is perfect for us and everything fits then absolutely [we will sign them]. But I'm not in any way desperate to bring somebody to replace these guys.

"I trust them and I'll continue to support them and they give everything every day. They will become everything that we want them to become."