Planet Swans ArchivesThis is the latest chapter in what is still one of the most remarkable stories of modern day football. In the 12 years since that Champions League final of 2001 (incidentally Valencia lost on penalties) the Swans have risen through the ranks to the Premier League on the back of one of the strongest business plans that football has.
Tonight they meet up in the first game of a 6 game group that will see the two best placed teams head into the last 32 of the competition and the two sides meeting on a level playing field with the Swans genuinely believing that they have a chance of upsetting their hosts.
Around 4000 Swans fans are expected to make the trip for the game and – based on our own early experiences of Valencia – many of them were in Cathedral square last night soaking up the local atmosphere.
“We’re up against the top team in the group on their home ground so all the pressure is on Valencia,” said Laudrup.
“I’m quite confident because I don’t think even if Valencia is a huge team, one that’s been in two Champions’ League finals and Europa League and Uefa Cup finals in the past 10-11 years, I don’t think the gap between the two teams now is that big.
“Of course we have to be very, very focussed from the first minute.
“I can imagine after this [poor start for Valencia] that the players really want to come out and show that they can play football and they are much better than they’ve showed up until now in the beginning of the season.
“So we have to be prepared, particularly the first 15-20 minutes otherwise it will be difficult.”
Team news wise the Swans will be without Leon Britton (suspended) and Pablo Hernandez (injury) but Wilfried Bony should be passed fit to play although I suspect that he may just start this one on the bench,
European tour at the ready, the latest chapter begins!
