Laudrup attracted to Swansea philosophy

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup says he was attracted to the Welsh club because of their football philosophy and style of play.

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Previous managers such as Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez have emphasised technical quality in their teams at the Liberty Stadium and former Denmark international Laudrup shares a similar attitude.

Laudrup said Swansea had approached him after Rodgers took over at Liverpool in an effort to maintain the style which led the Welsh club to a safe mid-table finish during their first season in the English Premier League last term.

“I did some research about this team and club,” he told the BBC.

“I wanted it to fit with the way I see football.

“With the philosophy this club has, and the way I see football, I think it’s a very good match.

“The life of a manager depends a lot on the club where he is, of the way (the directors) see everything, of the patience they have and the results.

“You can never be sure how things will work out with results but at least we have the same philosophy. That is why I came here and that is why the club contacted me in the first place.”

Laudrup denied suggestions he saw the job at Swansea as a stepping stone to more high-profile positions, having played for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona as a player.

The 48-year-old previously managed Getafe and Mallorca in Spain and has been linked in the past with clubs such as Chelsea and Valencia.

“No, I’ve never seen it like that,” he said.

“I don’t have that dream of building to the top. I don’t have a road map.

“I’m 48 now and I don’t know what will happen in the future – live in the present and see what happens.

“I can’t control the future. I can control the present and what I’m doing right now, but I can’t control what I will be doing in two or five years.”