Laudrup pens new deal at Swansea until 2015
Reuters - Friday 08 March 2013, 17:00
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup on Friday signed a new contract to
run until June 2015, ending speculation about his future after helping
the Welsh side to a first major trophy in their centenary season.
"I
know there has been a lot of speculation [about my future], but I've
always said that I am happy here and I never had any doubts I would
stay," Laudrup said on the Premier League club's website.
Laudrup
orchestrated Swansea's march to the League Cup trophy
last month, which included defeating European champions Chelsea in the
semi-finals and a record 5-0 win against fourth-tier Bradford City to
clinch the title. Swansea are also eighth in the league.
Real
Madrid were among the clubs the Dane had been linked with but as
Swansea are assured a first foray into Europe next season in the Europa
League, Laudrup said he was not going anywhere.
"We've started something this season that I want to continue," said the former Barcelona player and Denmark international.
"I
am delighted to sign the new deal and I'm already really looking
forward to next season. I hope there will be some very exciting things
happening with the team and with the club in Europe," added the
48-year-old.
The former
Getafe, Mallorca and Spartak Moscow manager signed a two-year contract
last June when he replaced Brendan Rodgers who went to Liverpool.
Laudrup,
who won four Spanish league titles in a row with Barcelona and Real
from 1991-95, was acclaimed as Denmark's best ever player though he
did not take part in his country's surprise 1992 European Championship
win.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said Laudrup's commitment was a major boost to the club.
"You
can never guarantee how things will work out when you employ a new
manager, especially after the success we've had in recent seasons," said
Jenkins.
"I think everyone
has seen for themselves that Michael has helped take this football club
to another level."