By Ian Gordon

FRANCESCO GUIDOLIN reckons Swansea City will need 40 points to survive in the Premier League.

The Italian has claimed four points from his two games in charge and it would have been a perfect start but for West Brom’s injury time equaliser at the Hawthorns last Tuesday.

But Guidolin wants his team to seal their safety as early as possible given a tough final month of the campaign.

The Swans’ last four games include tough trips to current leaders Leicester and West Ham with homes against Liverpool then Manchester City on the final day.

Guidolin, 60, said: “I think 40 points is what we need, definitely. Last year was 38 but I think 40 this season.

“If we’d won Tuesday it would be easier so it is 14 points from 14 games.

“Football is complicated. It is never easy to win games in the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga or La Liga but I hope we can get the points early and be safe.”

Guidolin has signed a deal as Head Coach until the summer but is keen to still be in charge next season to face his friend Pep Guardiola who will be Manchester City boss.

He added: “I know Pep and last year I went to Bayern Munich to see a Bundesliga match and saw them training.

“He needs no advice from me, he’s an important manager and I am very happy for him to come to the Premier League.

“I think he will be a great success at Manchester City. He is a great manager, one of the best in the world. He is very, very good.

“Next season we will see who is the best because the Premier League is going to have the best managers.

“We will have Guardiola, and I think Jose Mourinho will be there too. I just hope I can be here next season to meet Pep at the Liberty Stadium.”
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