Laudrup praises players despite setback

Michael Laudrup was pleased with his side's performance despite conceding another late goal against Kuban Krasnodar.

The Swans led 1-0 thanks to Wilfried Bony's early goal in Russia, but had to settle for a point as the home side levelled in stoppage time.

It was the second time that Kuban had snatched a point from the jaws of defeat, after Viktor Goncharenko's men secured a 1-1 draw at the Liberty a fortnight ago.

But despite the setback, Laudrup was positive about his side's display.



"If you look at it overall, the two games against Kuban were very different," he said. "We played some good football and there were some excellent individual performances.

"It was quite an open game but I thought we did well. We had some good chances on the counter attack in the second half, but their goal was from a good pass and a great finish.

"I feel really sorry for the boys because they deserved to win the game. But overall, I'm pleased with the performance and reaction from the players."

The Swans made seven changes to the side that lost to Cardiff last Sunday, with Wilfried Bony leading the visitors' attack.

And the Ivorian repaid his manager's faith by opening the scoring after just nine minutes - his eighth goal of the season.

"It is important for every forward to score," said Laudrup. "He (Bony) was very active in the game, with some good movement.

"It's important that we get the best out of him and today was a step in right direction, and I was happy for him to get his goal."

The result means Swansea remain unbeaten in Group A, but could have had one foot in the knockout stage with a win.

They now face Valencia at the Liberty Stadium on November 28 knowing victory will seal their place in the last 32.

"If we win our next game then we are through," said Laudrup. "We can decide our own fate and that is always good."