Laudrup salutes Swansea mettle

Michael Laudrup lauded his side’s performance after they came from behind against Chelsea to hold the European champions to a 1-1 draw.

After a testing week which saw the Welsh side lose narrowly to Manchester City before beating Liverpool at Anfield in the League Cup, the Danish manager insists his side can be proud of their efforts in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Liberty Stadium.

“(It was) very good,” he said.

“The champions last Saturday, Liverpool at Anfield and then the European champions today. I think it was three really good performances.”

After close-season signing Pablo Hernandez scored a goal and the likes of Ki Sung-Yueng put in an excellent display, Laudrup expressed his pleasure at seeing his new arrivals making an impact so quickly.

“It is great. You know when people, especially foreigners, come in, they need some time to adapt, because it is another way of football and another culture,” he said.

“I am very pleased for the new players and even more pleased for the team and the club, because it has been an important week.”

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo was also happy with the result after his side endured a difficult week of their own.

The Londoners had to bounce back after two bruising encounters with Manchester United and Di Matteo insisted his side should not be disappointed with the draw.

“Mentally and physically it has been very demanding, playing two games against Manchester United and also the extra time,” Di Matteo said.

“But the players responded with a lot of commitment today and we nearly won.”

Despite the drama surrounding referee Mark Clattenburg and his alleged racial abuse of John Obi Mikel, the Italian was complimentary of the match officials after they put in what he described as a ‘very good performance’.

“I have faith in officials. I always said I don’t fear that. Today was a very good performance by them,” he said.

“I thought he (referee Kevin Friend) was terrific. The referee had a fantastic game today and let the game play. I told him after the game.”