Bob Bradley insists Swansea City’s American owners have accepted they need to splash the cash in the January transfer window.
The Swans manager spent last week in face-to-face meetings with Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan as the pair paid a rare visit to the club they purchased in the summer.
With the team firmly lodged in the relegation zone, Bradley has stressed that his employers recognise the squad needs strengthening if they are to retain their place in the Premier League.
“January is a challenge, an odd window, and everybody understands that is extra important for us this time around,” said Bradley.
“There is an understanding that we will need to spend, but with every player there has to be a real discussion over the value of that individual.
“So far the discussions we have had have been positive, and Jason and Steve understand the responsibilities they have as owners in this window.
“We’ll see how everything plays out, but there is clear understanding that we will work in a good way.”
Bradley accepts his Swansea future could hinge on festive home games against West Ham and Bournemouth.
He has only been at Swansea since the start of October, but the former United States boss has won only two of his 10 games and is under increasing pressure from supporters who were underwhelmed by his appointment in the first place.
Swansea will spend Christmas only one place off the bottom of the Premier League – lying just above Hull on goal difference – and three points from safety ahead of visits from West Ham on Boxing Day and Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.
Asked whether his future depended on the outcome of the next two games, Bradley replied: “Maybe. But I never know how that works.
“I don’t spend much time thinking about it. I’ve been here for 10 games and when I arrived I knew it was a challenge.
“We have had moments where we thought we were close to making a big step forward, we have left some points on the table in those 10 games.
“If we had not done that, maybe the discussion would be different.
“But that’s football and the only thing I can focus on is the team – our work and preparation to make everybody fight together.
“When a team has gone through a rough stretch there are some guys who can get down and you have to make sure everyone understands we have to be together.
“It won’t be easy, but we can do it. We have to reinforce that message to the group every day.”
Bradley was publicly backed by Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins before the 3-0 home victory over Sunderland two weeks ago.
But since then Swansea have capitulated at West Brom and Middlesbrough, and Bradley has been in the firing line of angry supporters on social media.
Bradley, however, insists that he is planning for the January transfer window and that he expects Swansea’s American owners, Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien, to make the necessary funds available to help the club’s relegation battle.
The manager has made no secret that he wants to add a centre-back, a midfielder and a forward to his squad next month.
“I understand the frustration of the fans, it has been a difficult year,” Bradley said.
“But we are working hard to improve and we are committed to the end to stay in the Premier League.
