South Wales rejoices as legendary Dane commits immediate future to Swansea City.
Great news, ladies and gentlemen, that we've all been quietly hoping will materialise, but possibly did not expect given Laudrup's burgeoning reputation as a manager, and general standing in the world game. It's flabbergasting that the Real Madrid fans' favourite choice to succeed Jose Mourinho has, seemingly, completely ruled that out (for the time being at least) in favour of continuing to work in South Wales. It's possible we've found the perfect man for the job - his prior achievements as a player, he says, placate any immediate need to manage one of the "elite" clubs in Europe, and that gives the Swans precious time where Laudrup can continue to build on the good work started by Roberto Martinez way back when.
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| Here's looking at you, kid. |
“We’ve started something this season that I want to continue. I know there has been a lot of speculation, but I’ve always said that I am happy here and I never had any doubts I would stay. I am delighted to sign the new deal and I’m already really looking forward to next season. I hope there will be some very exciting things happening with the team and with the club in Europe.’’
“I don’t think anyone could have imagined at the start of the season that things would have gone this well. I think everyone expected us to have a difficult year after the loss of the manager and four key players . I kept hearing the words ‘second-season syndrome’, but that hasn’t happened because the players here have done a fantastic job. We haven’t finished yet though because we know there is still a lot left to do this season. Once that’s complete then we will look to continue on the same road next season and keep pushing the club forward.
“We will be aiming for another great year – and I want to be part of it. I know rumours and speculation are all part of the game. It’s been happening a lot with our players as well recently, but I see that as a positive thing because it means they must be doing well.’’ Michael Laudrup on why he's renewed his contract.
It seems that what every Swans fan hoped was the case is actually occurring. We may have found a manager who will, for the time being at least, buck the trend of Swans managers leaving for the first head-turning offer, but it obviously remains to be seen how long (if the Swans continue to improve under Laudrup) it'll be before concrete interest materialises. For all of Laudrup's and Swansea's posturing, it seems unlikely that any firm interest in the Dane has been lodged, given his relatively recent arrival at the club, and with Laudrup clearly a thinker any offer that came in would no doubt be weighed carefully for it's merits before being dealt with accordingly.
Another aspect of a manager (or player, actually) renewing a contract is that if that person does eventually leave, then the club are likely to receive substantially more in terms of compensation/transfer fees. When Brendan Rodgers extended his contract, it was discussed that a new contract in the face of interest from elsewhere can be seen as a sign of respect to the club, in that the player or manager in question appreciates that while they've been good for the club, the club has been good for them. Most certainly true in both Rodgers' and Laudrup's cases, it's no doubt something that has crossed the mind of most Swansea fans but hopefully it's something we won't have to deal with for a while yet.
I won't be alone in feeling cautiously optimistic that Laudrup will remain in South Wales for a while yet. All season he's been making the right sounds about wanting to build a football club, and not needing to start at the very top level, but it seems he's just put his money where his mouth is. Realistically, so far it's gone just about as well as it possibly could have, and with the Dane committed for another two years we can now look forward to more exciting times for Swansea City.