Premier League newbies, Swansea, were one of the clubs that were favourites to be relegated last season, but thanks to the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, finished in a very respectable 11th place on the same points as 10th placed West Brom and just five points behind Liverpool.
Since then, they have lost both their manager and star player to Liverpool, but Chris Carra from Forza Swansea is hopeful ahead of the new season.
Scott the Red: What would have to happen this season for you to class this as a successful one?
Chris Carra: Though I hate to say it, as long as Swansea survive in the Premier League this season would be seen as a success. Before Rodgers left we would have expected to maybe push into the top ten, but with Laudrup untested at this level and all the changes anything apart from relegation would be a success this season!
STR: How frustrated were you to lose Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool?
CC: At the time it was very frustrating, as the club was finding it’s feet at the top level and were on the way to a second exciting season in the Premier League. But we’re all over it now, helped along by the fact that Rodgers has been so slimy and false, breaking promises and taking players when he said he wouldn’t. The bitterness helps ease the disappointment I guess.
STR: How do you rate your Laudrup’s ability to take your club forward?
CC: Michael Laudrup is an interesting manager. He’s untested at this level so things could just implode as soon as the season kicks off. However, from the pre-season games and the signings brought to the club, he clearly has a vision which hopefully can be implemented. However, I fear if he’s successful, a year down the line he will leave for a different club. I don’t really see him working with Swansea for years to come.
STR: How do you feel about your club’s business in the transfer window this summer?
CC: Generally pretty good, some positive changes have been made. Laudrup has got rid of some dead wood, and replaced Sigurdsson and Caulker pretty well with more cost effective solutions. However, I’d still say another two or three new guys are still needed before the transfer window closes.
STR: If you could pick one United player to have in your squad who would it be?
CC: Berbatov would be a great signing for Swansea, who need another goalscorer. We’ll give you Alan Tate and £20 for him.
STR: Do you think Joe Allen is worth £15m?
CC: Not really. Don’t get me wrong – he’s a great player and was one of the key men for Swansea last season, but we were all surprised to see him go for £15million. Not that we’re complaining – once again Swansea have done some great business! Having said all that, if Torres is worth £50million and Carroll worth £35million, who’s to say what Allen is actually worth!
STR: Who do you think will be your most important player this season?
CC: As Laudrup is shifting a few things around – possibly making things more attacking – we are likely to see more goals at both ends. To ensure we see less goals given away it will be up to Michel Vorm to stop some of the best strikers in the world, so Vorm is key man for me.
STR: Who do you think will win the league this season?
CC: It’s between the Manchester clubs. As I’m writing for a Man United website here, I’ll say it’ll be United’s year again!
STR: Ha, cheers.
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Follow Chris on Twitter and read Forza Swansea.
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