Graham Potter 'Very Proud' of Swansea's Performance Despite Narrow Man City Defeat

Swansea City manager Graham Potter was full of praise for his side’s performance despite a 3-2 to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans were knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-finals despite going 2-0 up, with Matt Grimes and Bersant Celina scoring inside the opening half hour. However it wasn’t to be for the Championship side, as City scored three goals in the last 21 minutes to reach the last four.

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Speaking after the game, Potter expressed his disappointment at the defeat but was happy with the performance. As quoted on the club’s official website, he said: “I don’t want anything to take away from the quality of our performance. We showed great courage, great quality and effort.”

Swansea were ahead until the 78th minute, before Manchester City drew level and went on to win the game. While it will be the Citizens' second appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals in three years, Swansea were aiming to reach the semi-final for the first time in 55 years.

Potter added: “The performance was one to be very proud of. From our perspective I thought our players were incredible. They showed such courage and quality. I am just really proud of them.”

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The Swansea manager was full of praise for Manchester City, who are chasing a historic quadruple. Pep Guardiola’s side won thanks to Bernardo Silva, Sergio Aguero and an unfortunate own goal from Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

Speaking about City, Potter said: “We met a top team that over the course of the game probably deserved to go through, congratulations to them and we wish them the best in the next round.

“In the end we couldn’t hold out but it was credit to our players and our performance that they felt the need to do that to get over the line.”

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Swansea can now turn their full attention to the Championship, as they focus on their final eight games. The Swans sit 15th in the table, ten points off the play-offs and 11 points off the relegation zone.

Graham Potter’s side have a fortnight before they are back in action, when they face Nottingham Forest on 30 March before before welcoming Brentford to the Liberty Stadium three days later.