Laudrup's delight with victory
27th July
Michael Laudrup was hugely satisfied after his Swans side warmed up for their Europa League opener against Malmo next Thursday with a comfortable 3-0 win at Reading.
A first-half deflected strike from Michu edged the Swans ahead before club record signing Wilfried Bony set up two goals after the break for international duo Jonjo Shelvey and Pablo Hernandez
The victory over the Championship side meant Laudrup's team completed the pre-season schedule with a perfect seven wins from seven - scoring 28 goals and conceding just one.
Next up is the third qualifying round first leg with Swedish outfit Malmo, who visit the Liberty on Thursday.
And Laudrup believes this latest test provided him with many positives ahead of the Swans' Euro adventure.
"It was a good win for us. It was a step forward against a good side who are one of the favourites to get back to the Premier League," said the Great Dane.
"Winning here, scoring goals and not conceding was very important for us.
"We can still improve - especially without the ball. We need to talk a little more, sometimes we were running around too much in the first half. But we will work on that."
Club record signing Bony made his first start since joining from Vitesse Arnhem, with the Ivory Coast striker impressing up front.
He showed his quality by holding up play neatly along with showing craft and vision to set up two goals. And, despite being close to opening his account, Bony impressed his new boss.
"Wilfried showed how strong he is. He was only missing a goal, because he did well out there," said Laudrup.
"I won't ask him to score 25 or 30 goals, he just has to be a team player and do what he is best at - playing in the final third and trying to score. Bet he showed he can make assists too."
Laudrup confirmed that Chico Flores, who missed this game with a thigh problem, will be back in training on either Sunday or Tuesday as he aims to return in time for the Malmo first leg.
Meanwhile, the Swans boss confirmed that midfielder Kemy Agustien is close to leaving the club. The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Championship club Brighton.
