Like or loathe Brendan Rodgers, he does have a talent for bonding with his players. There is no doubt that he was well liked by the Swansea squad and his insistence on praising them after every game eg: "fantastic", "tremendous", "brave" etc even when it was obvious that sometimes they had been anything but, must have endeared him to them. I found it squirm inducing at times but players obviously prefer this to being criticised and it did seem to work because our team spirit and "togetherness" was frequently commented on and there for all to see - with the odd exception such as Dobbie. With this in mind, I wonder how Michael Laudrup will be in comparison? He comes across as an intelligent, thoughtful individual but, at this point in time, seems far more aloof a character than Rodgers - not as warm, if you like. Of course, it's early days yet and feedback is scarce. Behind the scenes he might well be a happy easy going type who gels well with his players. I ask the question because Rodgers is a master of blarney at all levels. He skilfully portrays the archetypal avuncular figure and our squad might find Laudrup's approach something of a stark contrast, maybe even a culture shock; and the chemistry between manager and players is of vital importance as we all know. Laudrup comes from a background of being one of the best and most famous players in the history of the game and plied his trade at the highest level, playing with and against the highest profile players of his day. Rodgers, on the other hand, had no such experience but does have years of coaching at all levels which will have honed his man management skill set. I wonder if Laudrup's background might make him less tolerant of players who do not have the talent of players that he has been around all his life? Thankfully, he is reported as saying that he derives great pleasure in taking such players and developing their game. If this is true then Laudrup could be the best thing that ever happened to us. It all depends on the chemistry........
Interesting thread, ivor. Rodgers had a 'chummy' approach and the players did seem to like that and it lifted their game. This group of players came up from the Championship with Rodgers so there is also that connection. I agree that Laudrup seems far less approachable (I may be doing him a disservice) but will hopefully have a more professional 'edge' to him. I do get the feeling he admires those with good ball skills, just like had, and an ability in players to be more versatile. Those that don't shape up will be shipped out imo. Both styles seem contrasting, though one isn't necessarily better than the other. But if you look at the really top managers like Ferguson and Wenger they command respect from inside and outside their clubs without being mates with the players don't they? Time will tell if the players adjust. Kick off to the new season is just around the corner.
Yeah that was Brendan's strength (man management), he definitely had our boys walking through walls for him. I know it's early days but I wish our players didn't still gush over him in nearly every interview. He was a manager you enjoyed working for, he's gone, move on. Rodgers puts me in mind of Tony Blair, a sort of indulgent paternal figure who tells you everything you want to hear. It takes maturity to see through such horse ****, by their nature football teams are made up of immature young men though and we have a young squad. Personality wise I'd prefer Laudrup as a boss (from the little I've seen), I suspect our team will be pining after Brendan for some time however. I just hope we have a good start.
This is a great article and raises some very interesting points. All I can say at this point is what I observed and found at the Centenary Dinner, so take it for what it's worth .... Laudrup and Curtis at one point were in a very intense conversation over something that I gathered was to do with the players, not adversarial by any means, but clearly two minds candidly, respectfully exchanging ideas. Laudrup was very approachable afterwards as was Curt. I don't think the new regime is going to be touchy feely in any respect, but who really needs that if you're a professional on a regular basis, who needs blarney. What you really want is somebody with incite who is committed to you being better and the know how and know why to help you get there. I think Curt's involvement is invaluable, not only for his own knowledge and experience, but as a bridge ... much the same way as Wilkins worked at Chelsea ... remember how things were not quite the same there after he left. For Laudrup the key is going to be how well he can tangibilize everything that comes so naturally, almost subconsciously, to him and communicate it to the players - this is the struggle of all people at the top of their craft who want to coach and mentor others, some just can't do it. On a personal level Laudrup appears to be as warm and comfortable and open and approachable as anybody can be working in a second language. There have been reports coming out of the USA tour through the tour blog, interviews etc. that Laudrup gets involved in practice with the ball and clearly still has the touches that set him a part from everybody else. If nothing else this can be inspirational by example. The crux of it all especially in terms of the atmosphere within the club house is how things are handled when veterans are culled in preference to new signings and younger players coming through. There are going to be some separations before the end of August if everything we have heard since Laudrup's arrival about squad size etc pans out. Over the last month senior players have spoken on the record about how they want to claim their place in the squad and their belief that they have a legitimate claim on a starting position - all commendable attitudes, but reality checks will be setting in by the middle of August. The Allen affair will be settled by the end of August, one way or another, as will reports of other offers coming in for other players. These outcomes will go a long way to telling us how much the current squad has bought into Laudrup and how much they feel a sense of belonging and being at home with the club. Laudrup is a key part of this, but it is bigger than him.
I asked a question like this on Linkedin Swansea City site - quoting Mark Gower's comments - which weren't encouraging
Come on, lumber! Don't keep us in suspense. It doesn't sound as though Gower was too impressed but we can only guess until you expand.
In yesterday's interviews he stressed the need for a plan B and C ... Perhaps not intended as part of last night, but I think the starting line up was trending to what we might see against QPR
what i have seen with him (laudrup) is he likes to play with two strikers and that would be better for danny as we have seen during pre season, I still think he will play one up front in some games but that striker is not with us yet is my guess.....he (laudrup) definately wants to see more goals this season and if something is not working then he wont be like rodgers and stick to the only formation and players he likes, he will change things...
