Michael – A Great Chance For The Players To Relax

The Swans headed to Dubai on Sunday for a mini break ahead of next week’s league game at Liverpool which will be followd by the Capital One Cup Final seven days later.

And Laudrup has fingers crossed that this week’s change of scenery will boost Swansea at the business end of the season.

“It’s a chance for the players to relax a little in the sun,” said the Swansea manager.

“We are training as well, because circumstances have changed since we decided to do the trip this week and now we have to prepare for a very difficult game instead of having a weekend off.

“I thought we would have two clear weeks before the Capital One Cup final, but then Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup and we rearranged our league game with them for next weekend.

“We could have cancelled the trip after that, but I felt the players needed to go and see some different surroundings.

“Just being able to put their shorts on and train in 22 degrees rather than one or two degrees will make a difference for them.

“Physically a change like that does not give you that much, but mentally even four days away from home can give you something.”

“A lot of clubs are doing things like this, with some going to Spain or to America,” Laudrup added.

“To go somewhere else after two intense months of games will help us.

“Of course we will be preparing for the next game at Liverpool, but there will be a combination of training and relaxing.

“The trip will be different because we have to go to Anfield on Sunday, but I still wanted us to go.”