Laudrup calls for one final push

Michael Laudrup has urged his players to finish the season on a high when Fulham visit the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Despite last weekend's defeat against Manchester United, the club is guaranteed a top-ten finish and could finish as high as eighth if results go their way.

That would cap a remarkable campaign in SA1 for both Laudrup, and the club, following on from securing the club's first major trophy.

And the Dane has urged his players to end the season on a high ahead of the summer break.

"It's always nice to have a break," he said. "But the season has been way above what anyone could have expected.

"When we come back after the summer it is all in the past and we'll need to go again - you can't look back at the table from last year.

"We have a chance to finish eighth and if we do that it will be like winning the title."

Last night saw the club's end of season awards night take place at the Liberty Stadium as players and staff celebrated a fine ten months.

Michu grabbed all the headlines after scooping four awards, including Player of the Year, and Laudrup paid tribute to the Spaniard following his heroics this year.

"He deserves a lot of credit," he said. "It's his first season here and he has adapted very quickly.

"Without him we would be struggling because goals mean points and they are vital to being in this league."

Following Sunday's clash against Fulham, both players and staff will vacate for the summer before returning for pre-season.

The Swans will be preparing on four fronts next season following their participation in the Europa League, and Laudrup stressed the need for strengthening the squad ahead of what will be another crucial season at the Liberty.

"The board knows we have to strengthen the squad," he said. "The clubs below us in the table will spend money and we want to consolidate next season.

"You cannot always go up and up, it just isn't possible. We have to be realistic and quality costs money.

"Now we begin the difficult work of negotiating and that's why I want to be here next season."