I can handle EPL pressure, says new Swansea manager Bradley

The first American to take charge at a top division club in Europe, newly-appointed Swansea City manager Bob Bradley insists that he can handle the pressure of the English Premier League (EPL).

New Jersey-born Bradley's first game is expected to be a tough one as Swansea will travel to Arsenal for an EPL clash on October 15.

"One thing you learn in management is they can get rid of you any time. The first time I was USA manager I was the interim coach. But we're all interim managers in football," Bradley said.

"Whether I am judged after one, two, three or five games, it's no problem. I can take it. But one thing you can't be is fazed by it when you stand in front of the players. The second they sense you are worried about your job you are finished," he added.

"I've been fired five times before. So I get the pressure in football -- but I am not fazed by it."

The fact that Bradley has no previous experience of the high pressure atmosphere of the EPL may not go down well with the club's supporters, specially since the Swansea Supporters' Trust, which owns 21 percent share in the club and has a place on the board, was not even consulted when he was drafted in from French Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre.

Bradley, however, is confident that he will win over the sceptics.

"The fans are the lifeblood of every team. I remind players every day that when you step on the pitch that you must always understand all of the people who love the club and come rain or shine stand behind the colours.

"For me, the number one responsibility you have as a manager and as players is to make the fans feel proud," Bradley was quoted as saying by the Daily Express on Sunday.

"The connection between the club and community, and the passion with the supporters is so important.

"I will work hard every single day to make sure we step onto the pitch and remember how much our team means to our supporters," he added.

--IANS

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