Orlandi – We Are Always The Underdogs

Andrea Orlandi says that the Swans are pretty much used to the underdog tag as they head off in search of their biggest scalp yet

Victory at Anfield today would not only be the first Swans away Premier league win but it would also be their biggest win for pretty much a generation in terms of the quality of the opposition.

But the underdog tag that sits with them today despite the close league position of the two clubs is one that the Swans have got used to as Orlandi explains “We have always been underdogs. In the Championship, the papers outside of Wales said we would get relegated.

It is the same this year. I looked at the predictions and said ‘wow’ because everyone said QPR, Norwich and Swansea would go down.

“But all three are doing well, and importantly for us we are doing well playing our style in the Premier League.

“I don’t think our mentality will alter because we are very close as a squad and we know that what we think of our performances and our own belief is important,” said Orlandi.

“We are not favourites to go down anymore, but we do not change.

“When you get praise from the media you can get a boost and a good feeling and that is not a bad thing. But mentally we will stay the same because we have gone through a lot together.

“Brendan Rodgers is so keen on keeping the ball, especially when we’re 1-0 up,” said Orlandi.

“He always stops the game and says ‘now control the game’.

“In training we work hard on possession — he and I both love it.

“It’s what I’ve done since a child, I love keeping the ball, playing nice passes in tight spaces.

“‘Be embarrassed to lose the ball’ is what he says. The quality is very high every session.

“We know it is one thing — with respect — doing it against some sides, but to do it at the top teams is the real test,” Orlandi added.

“We have a great chance to see where we are today, to see if we are mature enough to go to these stages and perform as we do at home.

“We will see where we are. I think we can do it, I think we have the quality and the tools.

“Obviously we have 100 per cent respect for our opponents because Liverpool are a great club with great players, but you have to fight for three points.

“Before the game you never feel as though you are going to lose. You feel you are going to get the win.”