Michael Laudrup: Success down to Swansea philosophy

 
P59 Swansea City celebrate win
Giuseppe Muro25 February 2013

Bradford City 0-5 Swansea City

Swansea’s first major trophy in their 100-year history is reward for the club’s consistency at board level, according to manager Michael Laudrup.

Huw Jenkins has shown a shrewd touch in his choice of managers since taking over as chairman in 2004, helping Swansea from the fourth tier of English football into Europe.

The foundations of Swansea’s success have been built on the footballing philosophy of Kenny Jackett, Roberto Martinez, Paulo Sousa, Brendan Rodgers and now Laudrup.

The Dane’s expansive approach is in keeping with the style of those before him and that stability resulted in yesterday’s Capital One Cup final win against Bradford.

Laudrup said: “There is a philosophy that has been here over the last six or seven years that makes it easier. When you get a manager with the same philosophy, it means you look for the same kind of players and that is very important.

“You do not have to change four or five of the team like you have seen in other clubs, where they change completely from one type of manager to another.”

Swansea will become the first Welsh team to represent England in Europe when they enter the Europa League at the third qualifying round in August.

They return to Premier League action with a home game against Newcastle on Saturday and Laudrup said: “I have been so lucky winning titles as a player and you celebrate for two or three days before everybody tells you that the next year will be very difficult because everyone wants to beat you.”

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson will now resume negotiations with the club over a contract extension at Valley Parade. The former Charlton boss is out of contract in the summer and initial discussions took place about a new two-year deal before yesterday’s 5-0 defeat.

Parkinson, who is one of the lowest-paid managers in League Two, said: “We wanted to get the final out the way but I am sure myself and the chairman will sit down very shortly.”

Bradford must now focus on their promotion push and they are in action again on Wednesday, when they face Dagenham and Redbridge. The Bantams are eight points off the play-offs with 15 games left and Parkinson said: “Come Wednesday we will be ready because everybody understands the importance of the game.

“Good cup runs can be detrimental to League form. That is only natural but we have got a good enough squad to go on a run and challenge.”

Bradford made about £1.5million from their Cup run and Parkinson said: “The big picture is the revenue we have earned. We have got to make sure we use that wisely.”

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