Laudrup hails 'perfect' night

1st August


Michael Laudrup described Swansea's 4-0 win over Malmo as the 'perfect start' to the new season.

The Swans produced a stylish display to create a first leg advantage in the Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Michu got the ball rolling in the first half, before record signing Wilfried Bony scored twice to cap a wonderful debut for his new club.

And fellow summer signing Alejandro Pozuelo came off the bench to wrap up the win with a coolly taken fourth to put the gloss on another historic night at the Liberty.



"I'm very pleased," said Laudrup. "It's very difficult not to be satisfied with that and no goals conceded as well, which was very important.

"Perfect isn't often used in football, but that was about as close as you can get tonight. Two goals from our new striker, Michu is back scoring and no injuries either.

"If we win 4-0, despite them not knowing each other that well, it can't be a bad night."

The Swans were without Pablo Hernandez and Ki Sung-Yueng for the first leg tie, but gave debuts to Jonjo Shelvey, Jordi Amat and Wilfried Bony.

With Jose Canas and Pozuelo coming off the bench, the home side highlighted their strength in depth ahead of a third season in the Barclays Premier League.

And Laudrup highlighted the value of his squad as the club prepares to battle on four fronts this term.

"There are so many different games," he said. "You play home and away, against different styles, but we have a lot of alternatives right now.

"Even without the Europa League, you still need that depth. From game to game, you get phases in November and December where there are a lot of cup games.

"But first we have to finish this tie in Malmo, and then we maybe have another round before we can even think about the group stages.

"I'm very confident in my players and there was no way that they were going to underestimate Malmo. A lot of the squad haven't played in Europe, so we want to go as far as we can."



Meanwhile, Malmo boss Rikard Norling praised the home side as they now prepare for next week's second leg at the Swedbank Stadion.

"They are a good side," he said. "We knew that and we felt it during the game. We had a solid first half, but the situation when they scored the goal was unlucky for us.

"Just when I thought we had some momentum they scored. We then weren't as solid in the second half, and at 3-0 I thought we needed a goal.

"It will now be very difficult next week, but we'll certainly try."