Laudrup named new Swans boss

LONDON - Reuters

Michael Laudrup is touted as the right man for Swansea’s attacking mentality. AFP Photo

Swansea City appointed former Denmark international and Barcelona great Michael Laudrup as new manager on June 15 in what could be a perfect fit for the ‘Barcelona of Welsh football’.

The Premier League club announced in a statement that Laudrup, who won four titles in a row with Barcelona in a career that also saw him acclaimed as Denmark’s best ever player, had signed a two-year deal.

“Contracts were completed at noon today,” Swansea, whose playing style has drawn glowing comparisons with the Spanish giants, declared on their website (www.swanseacity.net).

It will be Laudrup’s first foray into English soccer management, after resigning from la Liga side Real Mallorca in September, and he will be the third manager in four years at the Liberty Stadium.

He will also be the first Dane to manage in the Premiership.

Laudrup, who celebrated his 48th birthday on June 15, replaces Brendan Rodgers who moved to Liverpool last month with three backroom staff.

Swansea finished 11th this year in its debut Premier League season, winning plenty of admirers with a possession style inspired by Barcelona’s rapid passing ‘tiki-taka’ philosophy.