After some truly enthralling performances in the league, Swansea showed real mettle in the League Cup, making it all the way to Wembley upon where they thoroughly trounced Bradford City, plundering five goals without reply. Laudrup had achieved a feat that none of his predecessors had managed, guiding the club to their first major piece of silverware in their 100-year history. Now that Swansea look to have firmly established themselves as a formidable top-flight side, they will be expected to kick on in the same vein next season and potentially challenge for a spot in the Europa League or at the very least make the top half once again. However, in order to continue their project it is crucial that they satisfy the needs of their manager, who has demanded the necessary funds to compete next season, with the likes of West Ham, Southampton, and Newcastle all aiming to strengthen their ranks this summer in the hope of attaining European status themselves. If Swansea cannot provide for Laudrup, the threat of his departure could very swiftly become a reality. In the past few days, Laudrup and his agent have made some comments expressing concerns about the strength of the team, with the Dane stating his uncertainty about the prospects of the next campaign, with an impending financial scramble set to erupt in the coming weeks. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 48-year-old reckoned that last term might have been the peak of Swanseaâs ambitions. âUnless we find a couple of hundred million pounds I think last season we achieved nearly the maximum we can in terms of the table,â said the Dane. âThere are always things you can improve but there are not many higher positions we can look at. âEven consolidating is going to be very difficult. âSome of the teams below us this season will invest heavily: West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa. They are huge clubs who want to take the place where we are right now.â Laudrupâs agent, Bayram Tutumulu, claimed that his client had spurned several offers from other clubs to stay in South Wales, but was certain that a high-profile offer would come calling in the future. âMichael Laudrup, just now, is very happy at Swansea City. Of course Michael has had offers from elsewhere,â Tutumulu said this week. âOther teams can wait one or two years. We know Michael is going to train the big teams but that is not the moment.â Though these comments need not unnerve the Swansea support too much right now, the threat of a departure still lingers in the air, even though Laudrup currently appears to be settled at the club. His agent is clearly instigating the speculation, proclaiming his clientâs loyalty but not ruling out a defection at the same time. After all, the summer is only beginning, and who knows what sharks may be circling around a manager who could potentially be one of the leading names off the field, just as he was on it. The hundreds of millions of pounds that Laudrup spoke of are way out of reach for the club, and were certainly only a way of justifying his point. The Dane will not be expecting a major overhaul of the squad, nor will he dare hold Swansea to ransom if they do not break the bank to appease his ambitions. Laudrup is merely being a realist, in full knowledge that football has transformed into a moneyball affair where success is now frequently bought instead of being earned through careful preparation and patience. In order for him to ensure that the team does not fall short of expectations next time around, it is paramount that the board do whatever they can to aid his doctrines, getting behind him in the pursuit of selected targets who play football the Laudrup way. If the feared outcome became an actuality before or during the season, it is likely that whoever replaces Laudrup would be a step down in standards. The custom in which Swansea play the game is one that is coveted by almost all of the top clubs in Europe, and many of the primary advocates for that custom are already in employment. At the moment, Swansea are one of the most engrossing teams to watch, going about their business with a grace and facileness that runs like water off a duckâs back. But that could all change in one hand-shake, one scribble on a dotted line, for the wolves obscured in the darker regions of the standings to begin to lick their lips in anticipation. - EPL TALK
What I think he meant was to get top four we'd have to invest that much. So we're in the best position possible for our level of investment. However if we want to maintain our position we do have to invest simples. He ain't going anywhere !
He is absolutely right....9th place flattered us on our actual form and there was not much between us and the three that went down.....We really need to strengthen if we are ever going to reach mid table again....I hope for our sake they reach an agreement..
That's pretty much it ffsdon, and I really do think that he'll be with us for the start of next season. Dai if Graham had not been a child, and regained his form of last season, then where would his 14 goals have taken us in the table? as it was he did well with the 7 he got off the bench, but if we can get the right strike partner for Michu, then we'll progress again next season, in an upward position, 7th or 8th would well be in our reach, with the right front man!............
Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu this week challenged Jenkins to honour pledges over summer spending plans he said were made two months ago when the Dane agreed a new deal running until June 2015. There are fears Laudrup could walk away from Swansea if he is not given funds to bring in the players that top his wanted list. But in an email sent to a Danish newspaper, the former Barcelona midfielder stated he believes the club are on the same page when it comes to signings. "I'm happy to be in Swansea and I'm certain that the club's board will keep the promises they made when I extended my contract," wrote Laudrup. "Why shouldn't they do that? It's in everyone's interests, the club's, the players', the fans'. "It's in everyone's interests to have as strong a team as possible, within the financial constraints of the club." Now ladies breathe a collective sigh of relief and lets get on with the job of speculating who he's bringing in As Bob used to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmwue6Jq4KA
Yes thanks mate, getting ready for a few weeks in the South of France!.......................... please log in to view this image
please log in to view this image ....Well said Bonymaen, really looking forward to who we bring in as the front man!.........
Thank fcuk for you Bony! Plus the other reason he must stay is...........he runs the tea kitty! He does you know !
One thing that may have been forgotten is the club HuW/Mr Laudrup as early as January were already planning and targeting players for next season and thats one reason why I haven't been taken in with all the press speculation regarding a split in the club .Canas has been heavily linked with us and would appear to the deal is done but again thats only press speculation ,it's like everything else in life keep the faith and what ever happens we / club will still be here
Well I do try!............... [video=youtube;Jet29TQv2uA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jet29TQv2uA[/video]
http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Michael-Laudrup-confident-Swansea-City-transfer/story-19136372-detail/story.html
Thanks for posting that Cartoon. Sounds much more positive to what some press have been printing lately. If you believe the press of course
The silly season has well and truly begun - there may be some truth in what the EP are reporting, there may not - let's all wait until Huw and Mikey have had a chance to discuss the way forward before giving credence to some reporters wanting to sell a few more newspapers!
