Swans boss Michael Laudrup believes he has learnt some vital lessons from the 3-3 draw with FC Stuttgart to take into Saturday’s Barclays Premier League opener at QPR.
The Swans found themselves 2-0 down to the impressive Bundesliga side, but came storming back at the Liberty Stadium with a brace from Danny Graham – the striker’s fifth goal in two games – and a Nathan Dyer deflection.
“The spectators like a lot of goals, but I wasn’t that happy after the first 45 minutes,’’ explained Laudrup. “But when things are not working out like you want, you can learn from it.
“We gave away too much space in the first-half; we were not too well positioned around the pitch and could have done better with both goals. In fact, we can learn from all three goals we conceded, but that’s why we are playing these games.
“I think we can all be very pleased with the reaction in the second-half. It was a much better tempo and we were better positioned with and without the ball. We created five or six chances and scored three goals. We could have had four, but you will have to ask Nathan about that,’’ he joked. “But Nathan had a great second-half and created a lot of problems for them.
“It was the perfect game to end pre-season because you saw how much we can learn from the first-half. In fact, I think we can even learn more from the first-half than the second.
“It’s about building connections throughout the team. For example, I thought Michu and Danny (Graham) are already connecting well and if Danny can stay fit then I think he can score 15 to 20 goals in the Premier League next season.
“I am looking forward to beginning seriously at Loftus Road on Saturday. Friendly games are one thing, but when the league starts it is totally different with points to play for.’’
Asked about life in the Premier League pressure cooker, Laudrup added: “I’ve been in the pressure since 1981. I know it is different as a player than a manager, but I’ve been in it for 30 years so there are not many things that can surprise me.’’
You can watch the full 15-minute interview with Michael Laudrup on Swans Player now HERE