Not the relationship between manager and players, it seems. Local reporters say that Garry Monk has not "lost the dressing-room" of Swansea City. However, he needs to impress upon his players, who were lacklustre against Leicester City on Saturday, that every league match is like a cup-tie from now until safety is ensured. He clearly does not have the abrasive style of a Ferguson to frighten his team out of their complacency so he will have to call on other qualities of persuasion.
I believe part of the trouble lies with the board in not giving the manager and team something to aim for in the current season. Having set their faces against participating in European competition, they needed to give Monk an alternative worthwhile target. (Breaking Cardiff's record of eight consecutive seasons in the top division would be a start!) Added to the aimlessness was complacency bred by early successes against fancied sides. Now the problem is to avoid a spiral of despondency.
I am glad that Moyes has ruled himself out as a replacement candidate. His management style did not work when Manchester United were in difficulties. If the Swans get into real danger - and I think they are not there yet - then an obvious candidate to guarantee safety would be Nigel Pearson.
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