Swansea Players Reportedly Fought in Training Session Prior to Match vs. Chelsea

Perhaps Angel Rangel's post-match comments that Swansea "need to fight" to stay in the Premier League weren't the best choice of words after it came out on Monday that the players got into an altercation before their match with Chelsea on Sunday.   

Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail reported that six players in total were involved in the fight, leading to club chairman Huw Jenkins' possible concerns about where the team is headed going forward:

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According to training-ground sources, there were three incidents during the high-tempo session organised by interim manager Garry Monk. It is understood players had to be separated after tempers flared and tackles got out of hand.

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The Press Association (h/t the Guardian) provided more context on the situation, via a Swansea spokesman:

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Yes, there were a couple of incidents between certain players, which the club does not condone yet understands. They were quickly dealt with and everyone moved on. These things often happen on training grounds up and down the country, so despite the media reports, Swans fans shouldn't be concerned.

The squad had just returned to training on the back of a disappointing defeat at Hull, and their frustration at not getting the result they wanted boiled over during a full 11 v 11 practice match between the group.

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The Swans are three points above the relegation zone, so their future isn't secured just yet. They need to finish their last four Premier League matches strong, or they risk going down the Championship one year after bringing home the League Cup.

This is merely the next chapter in a forgettable 2013/14 season, as almost nothing has gone right for the club.

When the momentum they built last season was coupled with the summer additions of Wilfried Bony, Jonjo Shelvey and Jordi Amat, expectations were high at the Liberty Stadium.

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Then came three wins in a 17-match stretch between Dec. 9 and March 25 that in part cost manager Michael Laudrup his job.

Swansea finish up the season against Newcastle on the road, Aston Villa and Southampton at home and then Sunderland on the road. All four of those matches could be tricky, and if the Swans aren't careful, they'll get dragged into the relegation scrap.

Having the players allegedly get into a training-ground fight won't help matters. The last thing a manager needs in this situation is backbiting and friction among his squad.