' Michael Laudrup on Sundays derby '

Saturday 2nd November 2013

Michael Laudrup, the man who went from Barca to the Bernabeu, claims he knows just what the South Wales derby means – but hinted it could mean more to Cardiff than Swansea this time around.

A veteran of derby clashes across Europe, the Swans boss insisted the significance of local rivals going head-to-head translates into any language with both sides and both cities hungry to dine out on a derby victory for the next few months.

Indeed, the Dane stressed that even having experienced the glamour of El Clasico – incredibly winning 5-0 in back-to-back games as first a Barcelona Dream Team member and then a Real Madrid star – that the emotion of South Wales’ version is one he cannot wait to feel for himself.

Asked what makes a good derby given his own history of them, Laudrup wasted no time in simply stating: “A win.”

But as he gave an insight into the kind of firm focus his players will need to shut out the expected atmosphere at Cardiff City Stadium in order for that scenario to happen, he also suggested Swansea’s success prior to his arrival and significantly since it will mean Cardiff will have that extra desperation to gain from the game everyone is talking about.



“You could say we are favourites because we have been in the Premier League longer, but I could turn it around and say Cardiff are favourites because they are at home,” said Laudrup, 43. “I actually don’t think you can have favourites in derbies. My experiences have been that you can arrive to the game in very different form but over the 90 minutes of these games it doesn’t matter. Whether it is in Italy, Spain, Holland, it is the same.

“I wasn’t aware of this game before I came but, yes, I know what it means because a derby is a derby and you cannot measure what it means against another. What is the biggest derby in the world? The one that is the most-watched? If that is the case then it is Barca and Madrid with 500 million watching. But you can’t measure emotions, what it means and what it’s all about.

“For Swansea and Cardiff this is the biggest. For every fan, this is the most important and you can never say it is not wherever it is. The fans from those two clubs involved have those feelings and those feelings don’t change all over the world. It comes from football.

“And you see it and hear it when you walk around and people talk about it. Then you feel it. It’s a part of it, that’s why you feel it is something special.”

But asked if seeing Swansea triumph as Cardiff played catch-up having been beaten to Premier League promotion by their arch rivals has given a slight edge to Cardiff’s need to win, Laudrup said: “Maybe. They got up from the Championship last year but at the same time we lifted a trophy. I think they would like to stand there as well – but that is a question to ask them.”

Laudrup did not stop to ask himself on a recent trip to Cardiff, claiming he was treated fine on his stroll through the capital. “It was okay,” he explained with a smile. “Even the man with a tattoo who showed he was definitely not from Swansea but still did not hit me.”

That said, Laudrup will no doubt admit that eagerness to remain on top will give Swansea supporters an equal urge to win the game no-one dares to lose and is keen for his players to respond to that responsibility in hostile surroundings.

“When you know how important it is to a lot of people it has to affect you,” he said. Even in life when you know something is important to a big group of people you put it on you because you represent them. It is normal.

“The intimidation is part of derbies, but we have to remember that the people are in the stands and we are 11 against 11 with a referee down there. You do have to think about it and it is not always easy for a player because you feel the emotions – but it is about playing the game, focusing on the things you need to do and the things we ask of them every game.

“And I still think we will play our way, like we do in any other game. We analyse the opponent, see how they play, where they are strong and where we can hurt them. That’s what we do with all the opponents and that’s what we’ll do with Cardiff.”

Laudrup said he will pay more attention to the approach of his opponents than the derby environment when selecting his side, although will be restricted by injuries that will leave him without Ben Davies despite the Wales defender recovering from an ankle problem much quicker than expected and has even seen him resume training.

The news is less positive on Pablo Hernandez, who has suffered a recurrence of the thigh strain that sidelined him for more than a month before his comeback against West Ham last weekend and will now be seen by a specialist.

Ashley Williams has shown no adverse effect to his return from ankle injury issues in that same game, a player Laudrup will be keen to rely upon after admitting he expects his defence to be asked questions by Cardiff’s set-piece threat.

“During a derby game it is normally the same, very tight and the atmosphere something different,” he added. “But it’s still a football game where you have to try and win it and analyse the opponent what you have to do in particular game what have to do tactically. Up to the game it is very special. But then it is 90 minutes and it is a game we want to win.

“It will not be decisive. What it will give the winner is a boost of confidence, of joy in this moment. Perhaps finishing above your rival should be more important than the game itself.

“It’s an interesting question to ask what do you prefer: to win both derbies and be below or to lose both and finish higher?”

Even if he might suggest Cardiff need this more, he knows the answer from both sets of fans is to do both.

Sorry, but I can't help but like Laudrup.

This comment is class

'' Laudrup did not stop to ask himself on a recent trip to Cardiff, claiming he was treated fine on his stroll through the capital. “It was okay,” he explained with a smile. “Even the man with a tattoo who showed he was definitely not from Swansea but still did not hit me.” ''

I think that sums up the fact that although he's the JBs manager most of us still have a lot of respect for him.

I just hope he's miserable come Sunday night.

I can't help but not like Laudrup. He was my favourite player growing up so no matter who he will manage I will respect him.

Notice the difference in class.

Swansea players & fans have publicly made sly jabs at Cardiff, players & fans but the Bluebirds have remained focused and dignified throughout.

By publicly I'm referring to the tv programmes shown this week.

Tony the T.I.T is the only one to do it from a Cardiff point of view.

This guy is a total credit to the game. Any club with him as manager should feel privileged.

Nicely said by Laudrup no silly digs at Cardiff just saying it like it is..

Nicely said by Laudrup no silly digs at Cardiff just saying it like it is..

Agreed he and Malky are the same, neither of them will slag the other club off.....

A lot of respect and admiration for Laudrup as a player and a manager. However today, all that goes out of the window