Monk takes Swans into the deep end

Garry Monk faces the biggest test of his fledgling coaching career tonight when Swansea go into Europa League battle with Italian heavyweights Napoli (kick-off 8:05pm).

The Liberty Stadium last-32 first-leg clash sees Swansea boss Monk face an intriguing head-to-head with Napoli chief Rafael Benitez.

While Monk’s coaching reign has spanned just three games since succeeding Michael Laudrup, Benitez’s record is one laced with silverware.

“Of course, I never excepted to be in this position,” Monk said.

“I was a player going into training one moment, then taking charge of games we have had already like the (south Wales) derby, and now against Napoli, so it’s a whirlwind.

“But I am prepared. I am a level-headed lad, I know what I want to do.

“Napoli are one of the best teams in Europe. I have seen a lot of their games and studied them. They have good players all over the pitch.

“At this moment in time they are one of the most powerful clubs in terms of what they can spend and the quality of players they have, so we are in for a tough time.”