Coventry vs Swansea City - A Contrast of Styles

Tonight's match at the Ricoh Arena will see two teams who like to play the game in two completely different styles.

Coventry City are a far more direct side than Swansea City as they like to adopt the long-ball approach, whereas their opponents tonight are the complete opposite.

Brendan Rodgers has continued the trend of an attractive passing style of football at the Liberty Stadium following the work of previous managers Roberto Martinez and Paulo Sousa. The former mentioned Spaniard was the person to bring that particular brand of football to Swansea City, and the board have wanted to keep it going ever since.

Some Sky Blues fans have shown their concerns and frustration this season - having to watch 'hoof-ball', as a lot of them were hoping for a manager well known for wanting to play an attractive style - such as Sean O'Driscoll or Tony Mowbray in the Summer when Aidy Boothroyd took over.

The Swans have received plenty of compliments and recognition for their style of play this season and Aidy Boothroyd has even said that they have set the benchmark for where he wants to be with Coventry in the near future.

The Coventry boss has said though that he wants to implement his own brand at the Ricoh Arena, rather than trying to copy someone elses. However, as far as I can see so far, that 'brand' he mentions is 'long-ball'.

Looking forward to tonight's game, Rodgers spoke highly of Aidy Boothroyd and recognised the work he done at Watford, before he himself had a spell at Vicarage Road.

The Swansea manager also spoke how he likes his teams to play - with plenty of aggression and charisma.

He admitted that there's no right or wrong way to play the game. Who knows, Boothroyd's more direct approach may prove to be more effective tonight, but Swansea fans have certainly got used to watching a more attractive passing style.

'We are both young managers trying to establish ourselves,'

'We have our own philosophies, but I'm sure Aidy won't be concerned about the different styles.

'If you win games, how you get there is irrelevant for a lot of clubs and managers.

'I think it is relevant. I want my teams to play with aggression and with charisma, but it's not for me to say which style is best.

'There's no right or wrong way to play the game and it's not for me to tell anyone else how to do things.

'All I know is that we have a fantastic model here. It's one which, thankfully, the whole club has bought into.'

Rodgers also said that our previous record of results should give us confidence:

'We are right up there in the division in terms of the number of away wins and the message is simple — we have the ability to win games home and away,'

'We have controlled a lot of games away from home and our record should give us confidence.

'It's a big thing psychologically knowing that we can go into any arena in this league, any jungle, and win the game.'

The Swansea boss hinted he's likely to make a few team changes for tonight's game:

'Part of my job at this stage of the season is squad management and trying to make sure we are as fresh as we can be in every game,'

'The guys have shown throughout the season that they are in great condition, but I have a squad where I can make a few changes without disrupting the structure of the team.

'We produced an outstanding performance at the weekend, but this is another very important game and it will be a different kind of challenge.'

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