With Swansea City on the brink of winning a major title for the first time in their history, manager Michael Laudrup said being the favourites for the final of the Capital One Cup against Bradford City does not change their approach or create extra pressure.
“We have to accept we are the favourites for the final and we have to be – we’re playing in the Premier League and they are in League Two,” said the former Denmark player.
“In a couple of games we’ve been the underdogs especially in the semi-final against Chelsea and against Liverpool at Anfield so I think we can handle that pressure as well,” he added.
Laudrup also praised the efforts of his players who he believes have been exceptional this season. “We are way ahead of what I could have imagined. Being in the Cup finals is a huge success for everybody.
“But the daily breath is the League (Premier) where we have 37 points and with 12 games to go we are looking at the magic 40 points. We are just three points away from it and that will be our first target,” he added.
Laudrup boys are currently training at the Dubai Sports City’s Academies Campus and the Swansea manager felt it was ideal break for the boys. “The pitches are really great. That’s the only thing I ever ask and there’s obviously the (warm) weather. We can’t complain about that comparing to Europe now so this is luxury.”
“We played four games in ten days around Christmas and New Year and the weather is what it is in Europe at the moment,” added Laudrup.
“Here it’s different suroundings, nice weather and we’re training in shorts. It’s nice to be here, in these other surroundings for a break of four or five days. We have a small game at Anfield (against Liverpool) on Sunday so it’s good preparation,” he said.
Laudrup also said he is excited to continue with Swansea despite potential offers from other clubs. “My intention is to stay, I have a contract for next season and it’s a very interesting team we’re building here. We have to stay in the present and the present is the league. We have to get as many points as possible and win the cup final and see what happens next season with some new players coming in.
“The prospect of playing in Europe would be a very exciting season but first of all we have to finish this one,” he added.
