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Garry Monk has revealed how he has taken inspiration from Rugby World Cup favourites New Zealand as he looks to implement the secrets of the All Blacks’ success in the beautiful game.

New Zealand are the bookmakers’ clear choice to life the Webb Ellis Cup in this month’s tournament, Steve Hansen bringing his side – seen as close to a modern sporting phenomenon for their winning record over the last decade – to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Friday for their pool clash with Georgia.

Plenty to learn

But despite the obvious differences in the game, Swans boss Monk has explained how he has delved into the details that have made the All Blacks such a force as he seeks to broaden his horizons.

And he admits there is plenty to learn at the Liberty about the leadership skills within the silver ferns side as he seeks to get Swansea back on track against Tottenham this weekend following three Premier League games without a win.

Monk is keen to evolve as a manager after a praise-laden start to life in the dug-out, and he said: “I read a lot on books about management – not just in football, but in all different sports. It’s interesting to see how other managers approach things.

“I recently read on my computer the ‘Legacy’ book on the All Blacks which was excellent. It’s all about their code of conduct and how they approach things. It’s about their leadership, too, not just from the management, but from the players themselves.

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“I think that’s a vital compound. It’s vital that the players manage themselves and that it doesn’t always come from me. It must come from within, as well as from outside. I have always thought that anyway, but when you read about others doing it at such a high level, it is really fascinating. I really enjoy reading about it in other sports. It is always the same principles, but in different sports.”

Different ways of leading

Monk has claimed a key part of leadership –including the management of his own staff – is remaining upbeat and focussed on the team’s progress even when going through difficult situations, something appropriate for the current period where September saw Swansea collect just one Premier League point from three fixtures as well as face up to a League Cup exit at the hands of Championship Hull.

He said: “There are so many different elements to leadership and ways you have to lead. It’s not just the players, but the other staff, and you are managing upwards. All of that side, you learn all the time.

“As a player and captain I managed a group – but they were only the players. I think I’m lucky because I always had the sense that the rules had to be followed and I didn’t let anyone step out of line.

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“That side, I took into management. But it’s managing the staff as well; I am the one who has to be upbeat even when I’m not feeling upbeat. You can’t show it.

Sending messages to players

“I always try to be positive with the group and interact. With my staff, I try to make sure that they’re always upbeat and that we send out the right messages all the time – no matter what the situation is. The most important part is to make sure the messages I send to my players, and to all the staff, are the same. We are all of the same mindset. It’s my job to manage the staff on a daily basis to make sure the messages are maintained.”