Well last season Swansea City evaded the ‘second season syndrome’ with an absolutely superb season. Many people tipped them to completely flop last season with it being their second crack at the whip. However, how wrong they were as Michael Laudrup’s men finished in a respectable 9th, won the Capital One Cup and got into Europe.
Slightly wrong hey…..
They gelled together perfectly and played some gorgeous football in which any neutral loves to see. You could tell that they had a great bond and togetherness on and off the field as their defence always looked solid and organised and they went forward quick and slick as chemistry was obvious.
New Signings
Swansea always seem to be backed heavily by the board therefore Laudrup always gets to bring in exactly who he wants and it is no different this season round. So far they have brought in:
Jernade Meade – A young left back who fought his way through the Arsenal youth setup and even making an appearance in the Champions League.
Wilfried Bony – Definitely the one stellar signing that catches your eye here as the Ivorian striker has got a lot of people talking. He is Swansea’s record club signing for a whopping £12.5m. For his previous club Vitesse Arnhem he struck a terrific record of 31 goals in 30 games. He was even quoted saying that “He will be better than Drogba in the Premier League”, well, there’s nothing like confidence is there.
Jonjo Shelvey – I also think that Jonjo Shelvey is another great signing that might go under the radar a touch. This move could really kick start his career and show us what he’s really all about as he never fully broke into the Liverpool team. When he did get a rare chance he showed glimpses of superb talent and he also has many of years in his favour. In my opinion I think he could be a real success down in Wales and solidify a place in their slick midfield.
With this said, the gaffer is still looking for another striker just to make sure there is enough competition in all positions.
Fixtures
Swansea have one of the toughest starts to the season than any other team on paper. But as we all know football isn’t played on paper. In their first three fixtures they welcome champions Manchester United to the Liberty Stadium and then have to go to Tottenham and West Brom which obviously is not easy. On the flip side however we have seen last in season that Michael Laudrup makes the Liberty a fortress a very difficult to come and play at. Everyone says it’s tough making the trip to Wales and I’m sure it will be for Manchester United. There will be heaps of pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor David Moyes so he will be desperate to get off to the best possible start and to silence the doubters for at least another week.
In September it doesn’t get any easier for the Swans as they welcome Liverpool and Arsenal and have to make the trip to newcomers Crystal Palace.
Prediction
I believe Swansea City to have another successful season as they have too good a manager and too good a squad to start flopping and underachieving. However, could Michu have second season syndrome or could Swansea in the top flight encounter third season syndrome (if there is such a thing).
Watch some of Michu’s Goals here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ipMwpXbEiY