After making their first European appearance in 22 years, Swansea City and Michael Laudrup know that they are in for a crucial and defining point when the new season kicks off.
Swansea City edged closer to a place in the Europa League group stages for next season after they beat Swedish side Malmo 4-0 in the first leg of the third qualifying round tie. A brace by debutant Wilfreid Bony and a goal each for Michu and new boy Alejandro Pozuelo marked the Swans premier venture in European football.
Courtesy of a Capital One Cup triumph last season, the Welsh side has been offered a chance to play in Europe which could be a blessing or a curse. Indeed, with European adventures come unique headaches for a side that is still a relatively new player in the English Premier League.
Last season, Newcastle United played in the Europa League and owing to the gruelling fixture list, barely managed to hold on for their dear lives. Many fans are very excited at the prospect of seeing their side play in Europe but feet should be kept on the ground.
Due to the fact that they do not have the experience of fighting on all fronts, Swansea could fade away for long durations next season which means that Michael Laudrup will have to figure out the priorities for next season in a bid to make sure that the mainstays of the team do not fade away during the course of what promises to be an exciting campaign for the Swans.
With the way they played last season, it would be very shocking if the Swans are battling relegation in the latest edition of the Barclays Premier League but anything but a relegation battle, will and should be considered as a good campaign. With the way most of the sides have invested this summer, Swansea would do well not to get carried away because of their laurels from last season. A top table finish would be ideal for a side that is going to make its Europa League debut.
One could also understand why Laudrup was not pleased with the board for not handing him the funds he needed in order to bring fresh faces to the Liberty Stadium. The Dane, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during a trophy-laden career, understands the importance of having a bigger squad and knew that it was important for his side to get enough players to make sure that the club fights reasonably well on all four fronts.
After impressing everyone last season, the Swans are now wading in unchartered waters and that is something that could hinder the team’s progress next season. Teams that finished above Swansea last season, would be looking to improve further while those that finished below them and survived relegation, will offer stiff resistance. One of the main challenges could come from Sunderland, Fulham and Aston Villa which means that consistency would be of prime importance to the side.
Nonetheless, it is a great time to be a Swansea fan these days. The club has come through leaps and bounds in the past few years and with the right signings, the Welsh club could be in for a fantastic season and all of this will depend on how Laudrup works on his to-do list.
Courtesy of a Capital One Cup triumph last season, the Welsh side has been offered a chance to play in Europe which could be a blessing or a curse. Indeed, with European adventures come unique headaches for a side that is still a relatively new player in the English Premier League.
Last season, Newcastle United played in the Europa League and owing to the gruelling fixture list, barely managed to hold on for their dear lives. Many fans are very excited at the prospect of seeing their side play in Europe but feet should be kept on the ground.
Due to the fact that they do not have the experience of fighting on all fronts, Swansea could fade away for long durations next season which means that Michael Laudrup will have to figure out the priorities for next season in a bid to make sure that the mainstays of the team do not fade away during the course of what promises to be an exciting campaign for the Swans.
With the way they played last season, it would be very shocking if the Swans are battling relegation in the latest edition of the Barclays Premier League but anything but a relegation battle, will and should be considered as a good campaign. With the way most of the sides have invested this summer, Swansea would do well not to get carried away because of their laurels from last season. A top table finish would be ideal for a side that is going to make its Europa League debut.
One could also understand why Laudrup was not pleased with the board for not handing him the funds he needed in order to bring fresh faces to the Liberty Stadium. The Dane, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during a trophy-laden career, understands the importance of having a bigger squad and knew that it was important for his side to get enough players to make sure that the club fights reasonably well on all four fronts.
After impressing everyone last season, the Swans are now wading in unchartered waters and that is something that could hinder the team’s progress next season. Teams that finished above Swansea last season, would be looking to improve further while those that finished below them and survived relegation, will offer stiff resistance. One of the main challenges could come from Sunderland, Fulham and Aston Villa which means that consistency would be of prime importance to the side.
Nonetheless, it is a great time to be a Swansea fan these days. The club has come through leaps and bounds in the past few years and with the right signings, the Welsh club could be in for a fantastic season and all of this will depend on how Laudrup works on his to-do list.
