Okay, so let’s just for one moment forget their anomalous 4-3 home defeat at the hands of Norwich City last weekend, for Swansea City are having a remarkable second season in the Premier League. Prior to this season, after the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool, as well as the exit of several key players, many pundits were envisaging a relegation battle ahead for the Swans.
However, thus far this campaign, Michael Laudrup’s men have defied all expectations and are currently sitting 8th in the Premier League with 23 points, just three behind fourth placed Everton. Before the Norwich fixture, the Swans were on a seven match unbeaten run, with three wins and three draws in the league following up a superb 3-1 victory against Liverpool in the Capital One Cup in October. Particularly fine performances at home to high fliers West Brom and away against Arsenal, has forced Laudrup to reject suggestions that the Welsh club could challenge for one of the four Champions League places this year.
“No, not at all, because there are other teams who will fight for that. You know in three or four games it can change completely. It wouldn’t be logical for a team like Swansea to play for such places.”
Although talk of Champions League football coming to Wales next season is perhaps a little premature, former Wales midfielder Mickey Thomas has argued that the Swans are currently playing the best football in the Premier League and with Chairman Huw Jenkins suggesting his club should be targeting a European place, Laudrup is doing well to keep a lid on expectations.
“I look at the points and obviously I’m very pleased with what we have until now. If we are sixth, eighth or 10th right now it’s not so important. In three or four games it can change completely. I think it’s best for all of us just to take one game at a time and look at the points we have [in the spring].”
Though it is clear Laudrup wishes to distance himself from any talk of Europe, he has understandably been extremely pleased with his side’s recent form and the performances they have been turning in. The Danish man, who has previous managerial experience at Brondby, Getafe, Spartak Moscow and Real Mallorca, has reserved special praise for one man in particular, namely £2million summer signing from Rayo Vallecano and the current Premier League top goal-scorer; Michu.
In response to questions about reported interest in the Spaniard from Europe’s top clubs, Laudrup has clearly stated the club’s desire to keep hold of the player.