Laudrup sets 50-point target

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has set his side a target of 13 points from their last 11 games to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Last Updated: 28/02/13 at 15:51 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top Half Finish 12/13 Top Half Finish: Swansea 1/2

Michael Laudrup: Set target to Swansea players

Michael Laudrup: Set target to Swansea players

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The city has spent the week in euphoric celebration following the Swans' emphatic 5-0 triumph over Bradford in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

A victory parade was held through the streets on Tuesday, with thousands of fans lining the route, but Swansea must now focus on Premier League action with the visit of Newcastle to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Victory over the Magpies would see Laudrup's side reach 40 points, effectively securing Premier League safety and capping off an historic week in fine style.

But the Dane wants his side to show their maturity and push on to secure a higher tally than the 46 achieved under Brendan Rodgers last season.

He said: "There might be a negative reaction after winning the cup - I hope not - but it's a possibility.

"I hope the players go out and play the best game of the season, because this is the first game after the cup final, we are playing at home in front of our fans with the cup on display, so I hope - but I don't know.

"The fact we are now in the Europa League next season has nothing to do with our Premier League form, because we didn't start the season thinking about Europe.

"We have 37 points and we know with a few more we are safe.

"But we've been competitive all season apart from against Liverpool so we can't stop now.

"I still think we can at least arrive at 50 points and do better than last season, to get more than 46, and finish better than 11th.

"We are ninth and if we want to stay there we need 50 points, so that's 13 points from our last 11.

"That should be possible, but we have some very difficult games and we have to compete, otherwise we could lose most of them."

Since Swansea's glorious day at Wembley, there has been increased scrutiny on Laudrup's future at the club.

Laudrup and chairman Huw Jenkins have stated the 48-year-old intends to honour his two-year contract.

Talks over a new deal have already started, although Rafael Benitez's precarious position at Chelsea will surely lead to further speculation Laudrup will end up at Stamford Bridge.

Laudrup said: "There is not much to say. I've said it a couple of times, my intention is to stay next season but, again, who knows about the future?

"That is the only way I can answer and the same next week and next month, so I want to leave it there and go back to what is important which is the games.

"I've never said I do not want to manage a big team one day, it is just not a dream of mine - that's different.

"If I go somewhere one day I do, if I don't I don't. It has nothing to do with ambitions, I have ambitions - how can I not after playing at big clubs for 17 years and winning titles?

"I just don't have a plan for three years' time. It's just how I feel."

Laudrup also confirmed defender Chico Flores is still a few weeks away from making a return after rupturing ankle ligaments, but left-back Neil Taylor is back in training after six months out with a broken leg.

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League Top Half Finish 12/13 Top Half Finish: Swansea 1/2

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Blackburn appoint Gary Bowyer as manager on 12-month rolling contract

Blackburn have confirmed the appointment of Gary Bowyer as the club's new manager on a 12-month rolling contract.

Inter Milan appoint Walter Mazzarri as coach after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni

Inter Milan have named Walter Mazzarri as the club's new coach on a two-year contract after sacking Andrea Stramaccioni.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis clarifies Rafa Benitez comments

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has clarified earlier comments regarding a deal being agreed with Rafa Benitez.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved