Ashley Williams says this preseason is more important than any other he has been a part of.
Swansea City are looking to really establish themselves in the Premier League and will also get their first taste of European action in the Europa League after winning the Capital One Cup last season.
Skipper Williams has enjoyed some time away from football this summer but is ready and raring to go ahead of an exciting campaign for the South Wales club.
"Last season was a long, demanding campaign, which took a lot out of the boys," the centre-back told the club's official website.
"So it is great to get away from it all and just relax your body and mind.
"I had around two weeks off before I was back in the gym to ensure I was ready for the demands of pre-season.
"Any pre-season is important, but maybe this year it is even more important that everything is perfect.
"We will be playing in the Europa League in around four weeks' time, and if we can make it through to the group stages then there will be a lot more games on the fixture list.
"That's great for us, because we want to be as competitive as we can be in the league, the FA Cup, the Europa League and the Capital One Cup - especially as we are the holders.
"And even though we have improved every season, I think this year will be the hardest we will have faced in the top flight so far."
