Swansea City's Michael Laudrup reckons Liverpool are getting better all the time under predecessor Brendan Rodgers
MICHAEL Laudrup has warned Swansea City they face a Liverpool side who are getting better all the time under Brendan Rodgers this weekend.
Swansea humbled Liverpool — albeit a much-changed side — on their own patch in the Capital One Cup back in October.
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Michu in training with the Swansea squad in Dubai Sports City
And Laudrup’s men also took a Premier League point off the Reds when the sides met at the Liberty in November.
Swansea are unbeaten in their four meetings with the Anfield giants since they reached the top flight in 2011.
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But Laudrup reckons Sunday’s game will provide the toughest test yet — because Liverpool are progressing under his predecessor in SA1.
“Liverpool are definitely a stronger team now than they were when we won there earlier in the season,” he said.
“They have made a couple of good signings, and with (Daniel) Sturridge as well as (Luis) Suarez up front they look a good team.
“As well as the new players, they have had more time to work with their new manager.
“You can see how he works and how they have developed.
“They had a disappointing result against West Brom (on Monday), but in their five or six games before that you could see they were getting better and better.”
Liverpool, who were also beaten 2-0 byZenit St Petersburg in the Europa League last night, enjoyed a fine run through December and much of January. But they have managed only one league victory in five and lost in the FA Cup at Oldham, so there is pressure on Rodgers’s team.
Despite controlling much of the game, Liverpool were beaten at home by a West Brom side who had been struggling for form on Monday.
“That was a bad result for us because it means the Liverpool players will be even more motivated against us,” Laudrup added. “Plus I do not think they will have forgotten our game in the cup earlier in the season.”
Laudrup is tipped to go with his strongest possible side despite the fact that the League Cup final lies ahead next week.
The big selection call comes in central defence, where Garry Monk and Kyle Bartley are battling it out to replace the injured Chico Flores.
There may also be a change in midfield, with Leon Britton (ankle) expected to be fit. He could replace one of the three widemen who started last weekend’s win over Queens Park Rangers.
Laudrup’s squad are flying into Liverpool today following their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
“It’s been nice to have a bit of sun on our backs and the grass pitches we’ve been training on have been excellent,” Laudrup said.
“I think the players have really enjoyed it and the combination of training and relaxation has been good.
“Last Saturday they showed they were 100 per cent focused on QPR and not the cup final, and I hope this will be repeated on Sunday.
“It has to be that way, otherwise it will be a very long afternoon at Anfield.”
6 Comments
by cresswell1
Saturday, February 16 2013, 4:50PM
“what a bunch of idiots you lot are, as i have said before, i do not support any Welsh club, never would and never will.morons”
by Hadoken863234
Saturday, February 16 2013, 12:51AM
“Cresswell, I'm so glad our lovely football can make that much harder for losers like you.
I know you would like nothing more than to transfer all the hate and jealousy you feel onto us, but even if ML did leave, we have proven that Huw Jenkins and Co are more than able to replace whoever leaves.
You said the same thing when Brendan Rodgers left and we're just getting better and better.
Top 10 finish for us this year, wembley final and unlike your dear cardiff, we already stuffed liverpool and we're gonna win at wembley so even if you do get into the PL for year, you will STILL be watching us in Europe. Of that I am sure,
The magic ingredients at swansea are the board, fans and huw jenkins, and they will never leave us.
Meanwhile your scrubby cardiff are 100 million in debt, and selling your badge, name, colours to foreigners, while your neighbours are going from strength to strength :)”
by cresswell1
Friday, February 15 2013, 8:30PM
“ut while it may not be clear where the current boss is heading, I have a strong hunch who Madrid have ear-marked to take over once Mourinho heads north. If you have a spare bob or two, put it here: on Michael Laudrup being announced the next king of the Bernabeu.
Sure, he may not have increased his Champions League experience at Swansea. But he has proven in every other way to be a superb manager – not least in his canny exploitation of the Spanish transfer market.
A still young former playing hero for the club, with brilliant language skills, a calm, dignified demeanour and a sense of humour and proportion: in every way, this could be what Madrid have been looking for. He could be their Pep Guardiola.”
by bigphil1959
Friday, February 15 2013, 7:27PM
“Look out cresswell1 about the most jealous football fan of swansea city football club. the same clown who said the swans will go down this season. if and when micheal laudrup leaves this fantastic football club we will have another great manager.”
by cresswell1
Friday, February 15 2013, 4:37PM
“bye bye Michael Laudrup Real Madrid are after him foe next season, as the special one is leaving Madrid at the end of the season. another manager gone”
by jackinthebox
Friday, February 15 2013, 12:19PM
“BR needs this game on Sunday like he needs a hole in the head.”