League Cup final: Bradford's reaction

25th February

 


Following another incredible day in the history of Swansea City, the club won its first major trophy by lifting the Capital One Cup at Wembley.

Michael Laudrup's side produced a five-star display to win 5-0 against Bradford - the biggest winning margin in League Cup final history.

However, the League Two side were a credit to both the Football League, and football itself.

The Bantams had produced one of the great footballing stories en route to the final, beating three Premier League sides along the way.

And we round up the views from the Bradford camp following yesterday's clash:


Parkinson philosophical after defeat


Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson says he could not fault the efforts of his side after their defeat in the Capital One Cup final.

The Bantams fell behind after 16 minutes and did not manage a shot on target until five minutes before the end. 

"I'm not criticising anyone as the lads have been magnificent," said Parkinson. "The highlight for me was the way the fans stayed behind the team throughout the game.

"What Swansea did to us they've done to Premier League sides this season. They're an outstanding side." 

"I have to give massive credit to the job [Swans boss] Michael Laudrup has done. We didn't do everything to our maximum but it was a big day and a massive ask. 

"Of course, we could have done better but to go to Wigan and win, to beat Arsenal and Aston Villa over two legs - I don't want to be critical. 

"The way the lads conducted themselves throughout this added exposure has been outstanding." 


Hanson praises slick Swans


James Hanson admits he and his team-mates suffered a bout of stage fright at Wembley on Sunday. 

The Bradford striker cut a helpless figure throughout, feeding off scraps and long balls as the Bantams struggled to deal with the Swans' incessant pressing slick passing.

"I think there was a little bit of stage fright," he said. "We did try to frustrate them, but they were too good and just passed it around us and we couldn't deal with it.

"We worked on things in training all week and knew their front three would cause us problems. But they were just so clever in exploiting any space.

"We knew what they were going to do, but just couldn't stop them.

"When we got the ball, we didn't do enough with it. We saw the DVDs which showed that Swansea were so good at pressing the ball when they don't have it. At times, we were forced to go long in the first half and it was tough.

"But we cannot be too hard on ourselves. The lads did superbly well to get this far.

"We knew what to expect, but just could not do anything about it against a very good side - the best we have played this season."


McArdle: Michu was great


Bradford defender Rory McArdle paid tribute to Michu after the Spaniard produced a devastating display in Sunday's League Cup final.

The striker had a helping hand in Swansea's opening goal, forcing Matt Duke into a save before Nathan Dyer tapped home.

He then scored a sublime second just five minutes before the break, hitting a curling shot through the legs of McArdle and into the far corner.

"We hopefully won't be playing against him again soon," said the Bradford man. "He was great - when you watched him when they were in possession, he was just kind of walking about and you kind of think: 'Does he do anything?'

"But then all of a sudden, he explodes. And he knows where the goal is. When you look at the second goal, I was close and got in tight and I was happy with my position. But there was only one place that the goal could have got into to go into the net - through someone's legs into the bottom corner - and he managed to do that. That shows the calibre he has.

"It not a bad record to have, scoring all those league goals and being up there with Van Persie and Suarez and he has been a breath of fresh air for the Swansea team with the goals that he scored."


Duke has no complaints after red card


Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke said referee Kevin Friend had no choice but to give him a red card in Sunday's League Cup final.

The City keeper was sent off for his professional foul on Jonathan De Guzman which led to Swansea's fourth goal just after the hour mark.

Phil Parkinson felt referee Kevin Friend could have used his common sense and let Duke off with a yellow card given that Swansea were already 3-0 up. 

"I've got no complaints," said Duke. "I think it was a little bit harsh because he'd toed it for a goal-kick but the ref's got to make a decision. 

"They can't use common sense these days, they have to go by the letter of the law. If he thinks I was the last man then so be it, it's a red card."