Today's Media Round-Up

18th March

Today's media round-up has plenty of reaction following the Swans' clash with Arsenal last weekend.
Michael Laudrup has played down suggestions his squad have taken their foot off the pedal since reaching the 40-point mark, while the Great Dane has also spoken about the job in handling expectations at the club.
Ashley Williams also reflects on the defeat while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was delighted after his side kept their hopes of Champions League qualification alive.


Daily Mirror
Grow up! Laudrup warns that improving Swans won't win trophies often

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup admitted after the 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal that his biggest task is to handle growing expectations at the club.
The Capital One Cup success has left Swans fans dreaming of more glory and just avoiding relegation will no longer be enough to keep them happy.
Laudrup knows City cannot afford to switch off after losing two of their three games after their big day out at Wembley.
He said: "Of course a club like Swansea can't expect to win a trophy every two, four or six years. I read that Arsenal haven't won a trophy in eight years. David Moyes at Everton - top 10 for how long and they haven't won a trophy.
"When you have success, one of the most difficult things is getting expectations back to a level that's reasonable and realistic. We must do that - not so much for this season, but certainly next season.
"When people get a taste of success they like it. They don't want to go back. That is very difficult. That is the downside of success.
"It is the same wherever you are. Even if you are a top club, even if you are Manchester United, and win the league, when they come back the first thing Sir Alex Ferguson will say is: 'it will be hard this year because Chelsea will want to beat you'.
"It will be different here because of the expectations from media, fans, but we have to be realistic. We can't go too high but not too low either. We can aim for more with the team we have and the players that will come in."

Daily Mail
'We're not on vacation!' Laudrup denies Swans are slacking after Wembley win

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has insisted there is not an attitude problem within his squad as they head onto the home stretch of the season.  
The south Wales side have enjoyed a remarkable season, consolidating their status as a mid-table Premier League club and winning the Capital One Cup.
But after losing 2-0 at home to Arsenal on Saturday - their second defeat in the three games that have followed their Wembley win over Bradford - Laudrup was forced to answer questions about his side's commitment on the run-in.
He said: "First of all, these three games we have played since the final, I really cannot complain about the attitude from the players. It's not like they are saying, 'It's OK, we are already on vacation', because they are not.
"I think in those three games, it could have been three draws instead of a win (against Newcastle) and two losses (against West Brom and Arsenal).
"Of course it is different when you definitely need points, but you have to find a motivation for going on, because when you compete at the highest level you cannot forget it."

Wales Online
Swans become victims of own success against Arsenal

Arsene Wenger knows about being the victim of success better than most.
After all, it would have been crisis time had he come away from the Liberty Stadium without a win that boosts hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for the 16th successive season.
And yet there was a gloom to match the weather in South Wales around the fact Swansea City failed to stop the Gunners getting away with it.
There was no pride in the fall as sometimes can be the case when an underdog team comes close to getting a result, Arsenal scoring scruffily through Nacho Monreal's 72nd-minute shot before sealing the win in injury time via Gervinho.
This, on top of the loss to West Brom last weekend, was just disappointment for the Swans.
 "Arsenal are good team, but we have to be downhearted because we've just lost at home," said Ashley Williams.
"We can beat any team, especially at the Liberty, it was the manner in which we lost that we're disappointed with.
"There was no intensity or tempo and I'm not sure why.
"The goals don't concern me, I would never question the attitude, but it was a more a lack of urgency in the second half.
"We've had a brilliant season so far this year, it would be a shame to ruin it."

South Wales Evening Post
Wenger hails charges' special commitment after victories

Arsene Wenger reckons Arsenal's class of 2013 proved they are "special" by backing up victory over Bayern Munich with a win at Swansea City.
Wenger admitted the Gunners had to triumph at the Liberty Stadium to keep their top-four hopes alive.
"I am very pleased with the spirit we have shown and the solidarity we have shown," he said.
"I have had some great teams, but to go to Bayern Munich and win 2-0 and then come to Swansea and win 2-0, two places where it is difficult to keep a clean sheet, you need something special.
"There is a special commitment and determination there among my players. That commitment has been questioned many times, but I see it every day and we have shown here that we are ready for a fight.
"What we have done would have been difficult for any team. To go away in the Champions League and win and then do the same thing again three days later in the Premier League is very, very difficult.
"I would like to congratulate my players for that."