Laudrup keen to improve Swans

Michael Laudrup: Looking to build on Swansea's achievements from last season

Michael Laudrup believes Swansea must build on last season's achievements because opponents will have adapted to their style of play.

The Danish manager replaced Brendan Rodgers as Swans boss last month and takes over one of the revelations of last season after the Premier League newcomers finished 11th last time out.

Far from resting on their laurels, Laudrup believes the challenge is to kick on from last year and work to build on the platform the club now has - while retaining their passing game.

"We have to put something on top of what they have already achieved up to now - which is a lot - and that's what we will do this pre-season."
Michael Laudrup Quotes of the week

Laudrup told Sky Sports News: "One of the reasons I am here I think is because I have the same philosophy of how to play.

"Of course, we know that this season Swansea will not be new to the Premier (League). People will know how to play and how we are playing.

"So we have to put something on top of what they have already achieved up to now - which is a lot - and that's what we will do this pre-season."

Signings

Laudrup has already made his first two signings, bringing in Jonathan De Guzman on loan from Villarreal and Chico from Genoa.

And the Swansea boss believes both players will prove a good fit for the Premier League and the Liberty Stadium.

"First of all, they are two players I know from Mallorca," he added.

"One of them was there last season, Chico. A very aggressive defender who is Spanish but may as well have been from here because I think he will fit very easily into the Premier.

"And Jonathan is a midfield player and I think I can say the same.

"He had a very good season two years ago for Mallorca. Last season was very bad for Villarreal, a great team in Spain who were relegated.

"But he is here and he will fit very well into the way this team plays in the midfield and the players there.

"He's a technical player, box-to-box, and I think he's one of those players who will be very important for us."

Motivated

Laudrup is keen to give everybody a chance in pre-season and is expecting a response from the players.

"Everybody is very motivated for a new manager," he said. "The ones who played last season and the rest as well.

"That's why I am coming with new eyes. I want to give everybody a chance. We will see in the coming weeks. Then of course we will have to see what happens.

"You have to pick a first 11 and that's life but I'm coming here with fresh eyes and everybody will have a chance from the beginning."

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