Russell Martin admitted Swansea City showed signs of progress during their Carabao Cup triumph over Reading.
The Swans were rampant in Berkshire and booked their place in the second round of the competition thanks to goals from Joel Latibeaudiere, Ben Cabango and Joel Piroe at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
A total of four debutants featured, with Dan Williams, Kyle Joseph, Lincoln McFayden and goal scorer Piroe among those to impress against the Royals.
And following an opening day Championship defeat to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Martin thanked his players for fully buying into his methods during the early days of his tenure so far.
READ MORE: Latibeaudiere, Cabango and Piroe goals earn Swansea commanding win at Reading
"Really pleased with so much of the stuff we saw tonight," he said.
"It felt like it was progress from Saturday. I said to the guys, 'no game of football is easy', despite the youth of their team. Ours [team] wasn't exactly very experienced or very old.
"But they made easy for themselves in the way they played. The intensity to react when we lost the ball, their aggressiveness when we went to press, so there's so much to be pleased with, but so much to still work on.
"We're really early on with what we want to do and what we want to be. But I'm very grateful for the players and their willingness to try and do what we're asking them to do. At times it was incredible, and at times it definitely needs improving. But on the whole, we're really pleased."
The Swansea faithful fully enjoyed what was a dominant display from the Welsh outfit in Reading.
They made their feelings known towards captain Matt Grimes who is the subject of transfer interest from clubs including Fulham and Watford.
The Jack Army shouted "We want you to stay" on numerous occasions towards their skipper.
And Martin delivered a brilliant response when asked if he heard the chants aimed at the central midfielder.
"I joined in," he said.
"Anyone who sits in this chair and says, a player of that calibre, if they want him to leave then they'd be crazy.
"He really suits what we're doing, mentally with his character, with his attitude and his courage on the ball. Technically, he could play in any team.
"So nothing's changed really with Grimesy. We want to keep him. We'll have to see how that pans out."
Swansea return to action against Sheffield United on Saturday night.
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