Was Michael Laudrup’s sacking a justified dismissal?

By John Howell. Swansea’s sacking of manager Michael Laudrup has come as a shock to some, and inevitable to others. The timing of his release raises questions of the clubs survival chances, long term future, and whether or not the aspirations of the Welsh club are realistic.

It was less than ten years ago that the Swans were plying their trade in the basement division of the football league, winning promotion from League Two on the final day of the season in 2004/2005 when they finished in 3^rd place. Promotion from League One followed in 2007/2008 as champions. Play-off winners of the Football League Championship in 2010/2011, Swansea have been Premier League mainstays ever since.

With such a rapid rise through the ranks in the past decade, Swansea City fans wouldn’t be judged for being happy just to occupy a spot in the country’s top league. Finishing 11^th in their first season and 9^th in their second however, has altered the clubs perception of where Swansea really stands amongst the elite.

The 9^th placed finish in 2013 was accomplished by Michael Laudrup.

Finishing the season with a spot in Europe thanks to their maiden trophy in the form of the 2013 League Cup, Laudrup’s instant impact at the club was a huge success after his arrival in 2012.

Yet somehow, these past achievements could not save the former Denmark midfielder from the chopping block this past week. Surely a manager who gave Swansea not only their first and only silverware, but their highest ever league finish, should be given more time to fix things?

Swansea currently sit 10^th in the premier league. Hardly grounds for a dismissal based on standings. Yet between 20^th and 10^th place however, there is a 7 point gap. The Swans sit 4 points above the relegation zone, a position that’s been deemed too perilous to chance by Chairman Huw Jenkins before Saturday’s win against rivals Cardiff.

So in the search for safety, Jenkins has turned to long time servant and former club captain Garry Monk to guide them to a comfortable finish come May. Still on the playing books at The Liberty Stadium, 34 year old Monk has no previous experience of coaching.

It’s a bold move by the club and one that may come back to haunt them.

Laudrup’s side became ravaged by injuries, and surely with star striker Michu and number 1 goalkeeper Michel Vorm on the pitch instead of in the treatment room, the Dane’s fortunes would’ve fared better. With eight years of experience coaching in Danish, Russian, and Spanish league football the former Barcelona midfielder unquestionably would have more knowledge and know-how in these situations when compared to Monk.

Those associated with Swansea must realise that it is an achievement in itself to be a Premier League side. Anything else is a bonus.

This is not to say that a club such as Swansea City are not allowed to have ambition. But in the precarious nature of football, things can change instantly. The television rights fees alone is a enormous reason for staying in the Premier League and although the Welsh side are firmly established within the league, it is still important to put things in perspective. Staying in the top flight should be the main priority – something Laudrup would have accomplished.

With sides such as Fulham, West Ham, Cardiff, West Brom and Norwich all struggling, Swansea are a certainty to stay up, especially when considering the higher quality of squad in contrast to those of the teams around them.

Swansea lost six of their last eight Premier League games under Laudrup, playing teams such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton.

With Sunderland, Norwich, Hull, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Stoke all still to play between now and May, Swansea have a chance of grabbing the points needed to distance themselves from the bottom three.

With this in mind, sacking Laudrup during such a crucial period may be the wrong decision.

Saturdays 3-0 win against fierce rivals Cardiff was a huge result and goes a long way in pulling themselves out of the mire. The fact that Laudrup was dismissed in the week of a local derby game speaks volumes about how Huw Jenkins really felt – the Chairman felt it had to be done.

Laudrup was rumoured to be in line for the Tottenham Hotspur job (amongst other high profile vacancies) following the removal of Andre Villas-Boas, and perhaps this is the unspoken reason behind Jenkins decision to disperse of Laudrup before he had a chance to leave on his own terms.

Others believe the Dane can only put his outstanding first season down to the squad shaped by Brendan Rogers. That could serve as a justifiable reason – if it were not for the fact Laudrup signed last year’s top scorer Michu, influential midfielder Jonathan De Guzman and impressive playmaker Jonjo Shelvey, all of which who have been successes at The Liberty Stadium.

For Laudrup, he still leaves with his head held high and a reputation enhanced by his success in one of the toughest leagues in world football.

Only time will tell if Swansea will come to regret the choice taken, especially if they were to suffer relegation. Who they turn to next is crucial, especially after two top quality managers in the shape of Laudrup and Brendan Rogers.

Not just anyone will do.

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