It is incredible to think that it was only several years ago that Swansea were plying their trade in the bottom division of English football. Several years on and the Swans are regarded as a solid force in the Premiership, with their recent League Cup victory providing them with even more credibility.
Following their victory in that competition, rumours are starting to intensify about manager Michael Laudrup. After taking over from Brendan Rodgers last year, Laudrup’s stock has risen incredibly and some sources are claiming that he is on the radar as the next Real Madrid manager. On the subject of this, it might be worth checking bonusbetting.org.uk to take advantage of a bonus offer as Laudrup’s odds for the Real position fluctuate.
Laudrup is not the only man to taste success at the Liberty Stadium though, with the club having a habit of picking some very successful managers over the years. We’ll now take a look at the last four, which should at least provide their fans hope if Laudrup does end up departing.
Roberto Martinez
This was unquestionably the start of success for Swansea, with Martinez hauling the club out of the depths of League One following a comprehensive title win in 2008. He was a fans favourite prior to his appointment, having been a player for the club in the past, yet his reputation soared as he continued his groundwork by establishing the Swans in the second tier of English football. It was at this point where the club adopted their fluent, total football approach - which has stayed with them to the day.
Several clubs courted Martinez during his time at Swansea and he eventually bit the bullet and joined Wigan in 2009. He has managed to instil the same brand of football with the Latics, while he has also defied the odds and helped them retain their Premier League status on numerous occasions.
Paulo Sousa
There were several raised eyebrows when the Swans appointed Paulo Sousa, as his time at previous club QPR was hardly sparkling. However, the former Portuguese midfielder built on Martinez’s work, carrying on the special football that his predecessor had drilled into the team. This eventually helped the club finish in their highest position for nearly three decades, after finishing in 7th in the Championship.
Sousa’s reign was not to last long though and he left the post after just one season in charge. Leicester came calling and dragged him away, although in hindsight he may regret the switch after lasting just a few months at the King Power Stadium before being dismissed.
Brendan Rodgers
The Swans were not to be deterred though and soon turned to Brendan Rodgers. Again, this was a surprise appointment after Rodgers had fared poorly with another Championship outfit in Reading. However, he was able to once again take the club to the next level, masterminding an incredible promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. Not stopping there, he made the Swans into a formidable top flight outfit and not once were they looking over their shoulders.
Such work alerted Liverpool and despite initially rebuffing their approach, Rodgers eventually caved in and joined the Reds. Nevertheless, he left Swansea in their best ever position, and also earned them around £5m in compensation.
Michael Laudrup
The appointment of Michael Laudrup was again surprising - although again a masterstroke by Hugh Jenkins. Laudrup hit the ground running with some excellent early season form and at the time of writing, the club sit in 9th position. Following victory in the League Cup, it’s no surprise to see that most are speculating that it will just be a matter of time before he is another man prized away from the Liberty Stadium. Considering all of their success in relation to managers over the years, there will surely be a queue of impressive candidates if the post does become available though.