Swansea City, Indy exclusive : Everything ok Jeremy ?
Jeremy Monga has been a bit of a mystery for some Swansea City followers since his arrival on loan from Manchester City. When this happens people ask questions, some even offer their own theories but really it’s only trusted sources that get you at least part way to a solution.
Read on.
First of all it isn’t absolute common knowledge that this player only turned seventeen around eight weeks ago, he signed for Manchester City the day after his birthday. That means he can sign a professional contract at another club for a maximum of three years. There are reports that Manchester City gave him a five year contract, this isn’t binding but may well be as a part of the agreement between Manchester City and Leicester City (renew after three years) The Citizens beat Arsenal to his signature. And it was quite a battle.
At seventeen there are also safeguarding, education and welfare obligations towards him, so even though he is a professional player the current academy scrutiny the Swans are going through to get top status will be relevant to an extent. Not that Monga can affect that but safeguarding is an important part of a players progression and indeed how the club manage that - and any issues a player is under whilst on loan at the Swans. For example, auditors could potentially be interested in whether Swansea identified why he wasn’t being looked after by the club, something we very much doubt. Another area is have the Swans maintained appropriate contact with the player, family/representatives and Manchester City; then provide appropriate welfare and mental emotional / wellbeing support; what was happening; and followed the correct safeguarding/player-care procedures. EFL academy rules specifically require clubs to have a mental and emotional wellbeing action plan, referral processes and academy safeguarding structures.
We have no doubt whatsoever Swansea City FC are consummate professionals in this area.
⚽️ Cause for concern : Jeremy Monga was originally selected for England U18s for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland this international break, but the FA confirmed on September 21st that Monga withdrew from the squad. He was replaced by Ajay Tavares of Barcelona. No reason was given. He isn’t injured. With the Swans giving their players who were not on International duty time off it isn’t unusual that he would return to Manchester or take time out, or even family with his parents. Now the players are back Monga will be expected to be in training bar any agreements he can have more time off.
It’s also important to clear up his registration issues with the FAW (Wales association) this was seen as a given and that became fact shortly after he signed for Swansea on loan. There are rumours about every player every day out in the wider football world, and of course when they are key to the Swans we do delve deeper. Monga is not in any way affected by the clearance process that was done a fair while back.
In his favour and from our research whilst at Leicester City, Callum Powell, who coached Monga when he was younger, described him as reserved, polite, well-mannered and someone who “gets his head down and works hard.” That’s what you would expect, but having been cleared to play for the Swans some weeks ago the question is being asked why he isn’t in the squad on a match day ?
The obvious explanation is he isn’t settled as yet and is learning things that Manchester City were keen to let him experience : Training with a positive coach in a winning side and learning a completely different style and way of training which Vitor Matos has introduced in part over the summer. Personal responsibility and taking time to manage his life is a big factor too. That’s what we all want of course, he is a player of great pedigree. However, his developed mind is still in the young and learning phase and as a player for at least the last two years he is very much in the ‘very well looked after’ category.
The Swans haven’t mentioned anything on Monga, and let’s be honest they wouldn’t if there is an issue. However, there are some issues on the surface, his withdrawal from the England U18 squad was the first warning sign. He isn’t injured and we do know he is finding settling in Swansea very difficult. You would expect that as it’s a completely different environment for a player who has just turned seventeen. This is why we focussed earlier on his mental and physical wellbeing and safeguarding.
Certain people will tell you he hasn’t been in training on time or if at all some days. They will also state that Swans staff have visited him in his club accommodation and found him there when he should be in training. For us that is speculation. There is no real confirmation on this, but numerous sources are stating it. The only thing we do know is Manchester City are aware of a ‘few issues’ with him at this moment in time and have acted in accordance with his contract alongside Swansea City.
We are not going to go public on these issues or suspected problems at this moment in time, Jeremy needs careful management, he is very much a boy in a man’s world when it comes to his own life administration and standing on his own two feet, despite the fact he has more help than he could wish for in his early days at the Swans. However, he is fully aware of what the Championship is all about, he played for the Foxes on many occasions last season. We have been told as well that all is in hand - and Jeremy is expected in full training during this international break. He is a top talent on the cusp of proving himself in a tough Championship league, and this time not in a relegation threatened side. His commitment to get where he is is unquestionable and proven.
What Swansea fans want to see now is him displaying his unique talent in a Swansea City shirt, but of course that is now very much down to him, regardless of his age.
Photographs : TNTclick media
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