Coleman praises Swansea's foresight in appointing Michael Laudrup

Jun 16, 2012 12:37:00 PM

Denmark's former playmaker has been brought to the Liberty Stadium on a two-year deal, and the Wales team manager believes he will continue the Swans' attractive style of play

Wales national team boss Chris Coleman has given Swansea City's appointment of Michael Laudrup as manager his seal of approval, and believes the Dane will be a success in the Premier League.

Laudrup was appointed on a two-year deal to replace Brendan Rodgers, who left for Liverpool last month, and has been brought in to help continue the playing style that firstly Roberto Martinez and then Rodgers employed during their tenures at the Liberty Stadium.

Coleman believes drafting in a former Barcelona and Real Madrid player, renowned for his playmaking abilities, will ensure the footballing ethos at the club is maintained.

"From a coaching point of view it's a shrewd move from Swansea and from Huw Jenkins," Coleman told the media.

"He has done his homework on Michael. He's not going to bring in a manager who is going to change the philosophy.

"I hope he will have the same success as Brendan. I think Michael's style will complement Swansea's style.

"They are not going to want to change that because it has served them well and rightly so.

"It is a very foreign approach the way Swansea City play, a Spanish approach if you like. And I can see why they have gone for Michael."

Coleman, though, was quick to point out that Laudrup's lack of experience in England could be a telling factor in his debut season in the Premier League, citing Andre Villas-Boas' unsuccessful stint as Chelsea manager as firm evidence.

"The Premier League is the most unforgiving league," the former Fulham manager added.

"It's the toughest league in the world. He will know enough about the Premier League; working in it is another, different thing.

"I had to learn that when I was at Fulham, but Michael's pedigree is very good."

The Swans' captain Garry Monk also feels that the club have made an excellent decision and cannot believe a name as big as Laudrup's will be managing them next season.

Monk told reporters: "The name itself and the career he had as a player is impressive enough, but the pedigree he brings - you probably can't ask for any more.

"When I think about it - how we can attract a name of that calibre to Swansea City - it's just amazing when you think about it.

"I don't think we can help but learn from someone like that. It's a great appointment."

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