Michael Laudrup got much stick for the lack of discipline in the Swansea squad during his last months in the club. Now, Garry Monk is facing the same problems at the Landore Complex.

In January it was revealed that Chico Flores had picked up a brick during a row with Monk, back when monk was still active as a player. Just two weeks after Laudrup was sacked. Since then, Monk has taken over as an interim-manager, and now  the dressing room has been ripped apart by in-fighting between the players once again. 

According to the Daily Mail, Monk had organised a training game trying to get the Hull defeat out of the system. However, the plan was undermined by a training ground fight involving not less than six first-team players. To make the situation even worse for Monk, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins witnessed the clash. 

Monk is trying to repair the relations between the players and united the squad in order to avoid relegation, but it seems that, as Laudrup, Monk has problems controlling the players. 

One of the reasons for the lack of discipline should accordingly be that the number of high earners brought in last summer has affected the morale in the dressing room. Michael Laudrup and Huw Jenkins had their debates over the players brought in, and even though Jenkins had a say in most of the transfers he is now ready to make a number of strategic changes in the summer.

Laudrup is a part of the past in Swansea, and Garry Monk have taken over for now. However, Swansea are looking for a new manager for the long run; Great Dane Football Blog takes a look on five prospects.

5. Garry Monk

The defender - and now manager - have spent a lifetime in Swansea, and could well keep the job after this season. Especially if he manages to keep the Swans out of the relegation. However, it speaks against Monk that he is/has been a part of the squad as he can get too familiar with the players. Furthermore, he has no managing experience, but, again, if he manages to keep the club in the Premier League he has a good chance of staying as manager.

4. Marcel Desailly

The former Chelsea defender and World Cup and Euro winner has been linked with Swansea after Laudrup's exit. The 45-year old Ghana born French ended his career in Qatar SC in 2006 and have not had any manager jobs so far. Instead, he has been working for several media and charities the last couple of years. Swansea could be a good start of his managing career, but as with Garry Monk, it speaks against the French that he has no managing experience. That said, he has a lot of routine from playing and is rated as one of the legends in football. 

1. Glenn Hoodle

The former England manager was sounded about the job three months ago, but would not be involved as long as Laudrup was the manager. The former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder and manager is an obvious choice for Swansea, given his knowledge of the Premier League. However, the league has changed since Hoodle was in charge of a PL club. Furthermore, Hoodles style might not match the players in Swansea as the squads is now. 

Tottenham is looking for a new manager after Andre Villas-Boas left the club by mutual consent. The question is now who will take over the seat at White Hart Lane.

According to Oddschecker.com four managers are favorites to take over the job. Great Dane Football Blog is taking a look on the four names.

Glenn Hoddle

Odds: 10 

The former Tottenham midfielder with 377 caps for the club is the favorite for the job according to Oddschecker. The 57-year old manager was in charge of Tottenham from 2001-2003, where he brought them to the League Cup final, which the Spurs lost against Blackburn. Beside managing Tottenham, the Englishman have been in charge of Swindon, Chelsea, England, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers but have been without a managing job since 2006. The fact that he has a past in Tottenham speaks for Hoddle as he is a name in the club. However, as he has not been coaching for some time it can be argued that the football world has changed since 2006 and that he might not get the best out of the squad.

Michael Laudrup

Odds: 7

Michael Laudrup has made a name for himself in English football since taking over Swansea, and he has been linked with Tottenham several times the last couple of months. Already in his first season, in Wales, Laudrup managed to bring a trophy to Swansea, and the coach clearly have a talent for finding cheap players to develop with Michu as one example. Given Tottenham have spent a fortune in the summer, they could need a man as Laudrup to find the bargain deals. Furthermore, Laurdrup is still a big name in Spain why he might be able to get some Spanish stars to Tottenham. What speaks against Laudrup is his history of changing between clubs as soon as something goes against him and that he has a couple of years left of his contract with Swansea. That said, Tottenham should have the money to buy him out of that contract.

Fabio Capello

Odds: 6

With clubs as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus as well as the English national team on his C.V. Fabio Capello would be a scoop for the Spurs. Capello will bring in some international experience and will be able to bring big names to White Hart Lane. On the other hand, the Italian is not known for bringing young talents forward. Furthermore, given Russia will be playing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil he might not want to leave his job. Despite this, Capello would be a great name for Tottenham, and they might be able to persuade him to come back to England - this time to manage a club.

Tim Sherwood

Odds: 4

According to oddschecker.com, the interim manager at Tottenham Hotspur is also the favorite to take over the job in the long term. The Technical Coordinator knows the club from the inside and has had his daily routines around the players and have been a part of the staff under the last couple of managers. He, therefore, knows the game and the pressure in the club. What speaks against Sherwood is his lack of experience as a manager as well as his name in the football world. He is not a man capable of bringing big names to Spurs as it is right nor. However, if Spurs are ready to let him have a go this season he can turn out to be the future man. For now,  he has the next couple of matches to impress the Tottenham board.

Michael Laudrup continued his impressing season in Swansea, bringing the League Cup Trophy to Swansea. The Dane has a history of leaving clubs faster than a Mario Balotelli can get a booking; is he leaving Wales?

Laudrup is a legend in European football, and a legend will always be surrounded by rumours. Latest, Laudrup was on his way to Real Madrid, then Manchester City but Wales seems to be the place for the Dane.

Despite having a history of changing between European clubs, the Swansea manager has already said that he is ready to sign a new contract with the Welsh club. The latest results show that Swansea play style and Laudrup's name are a great mix that might get far. However, a lot needs to happen before the Welsh will be found in top three of the Premier League.

The question is if the manager will get an offer he cannot refuse. Manchester City and Real Madrid might be able to give the Laudrup free hands to buy who ever he wants. However, the pressure on the two teams might just be too much for the Dane. Furthermore, in Swansea Laudrup has the board's confidence and he will have to screw up big time to lose his seat in Wales.

The League Cup was Laudrup's first big trophy since leaving Brøndby in 2006, and he will be thirsty for more. At the moment,  Swansea is the place for Laudrup and here he has the impact he wants to have; latest bringing in Morten Wieghorts to the staff. The next season will be even more interesting than this as Laudrup will have to show that this was not just a  one time performance. Then, we can talk about Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Liberty Stadium

25.08.2012 @ 12.45 BST

What is the status of the two teams before the match?

Both teams only have one injured player to worry about before the match. Swansea is without their Captain Garry Monk while West Ham will go into the match missing the Welsh international Jack Collison. None of the teams suffer from any bans, as we can expect the best possible line up for this match.

How is the two teams form?

Swansea has surprised every one with their 5-0 win against QPR last weekend. Every football fan in England will keep an eye on Laudrup's troops before this match, as they will have to show that the win was not a one time performance.

West Ham won their first match in their return to the Premier League. The Hammers played well against Aston Villa, and showed that they belong to the best league in England.

What to expect from this match?

Michael Laudrup's Swansea showed some attacking football in their Premier League opening. Players as Michu, De Guzman and Chico all made an impressive debut. Against Aston Villa, they will meet a team well played together and with a bit more routine.

West Ham is putting their trust on Ricardo Vaz Te, and the striker has the ability to tease the Swansea defense. However, the lack of speed in the Hammers midfield can cost them the victory as Swansea will use their fast wingers against them.

We can certainly expect a well played match, with lots of chances. Swansea will probably be the controlling team, but West Ham will have their chances.

Who will win?

Given Swansea's latest 5-0 win against QPR, they will be favorites. The crucial question is if they can keep up the good form. Aston Villa will not lay down and wait for Swansea to run them over. However, Aston Villa is to depending on Ricardo Vaz Te, while their opponents has a great line of attacking forces. Swansea will win this match.

What is the odds?

Once again, the odds are tight. However, the bookmakers find Swansea as the most possible winner. However, a draw is not impossible and will give a great cashback.

 

The Premier League is starting next weekend. We have waited a long time since the dramatic ending of last season, and this has given Great Dane Football Blog the opportunity to think of what we are looking forward to see this year. 

1. The Battle of Manchester

Once upon a time there were only one winning team in Manchester. However, a bunch of money has brought City in front as the greatest club in town. At least in the last season. It Is going to be interesting to see whether or not the Red Devils will take back the trophy and once again be the best team in Manchester. The question is if passion can beat money?

 2. How is Arsenal going to play this year?

Arsenal started miserable last season – once again some might say. There are a lot of questions about the Gunners at the moment. Is van Persie going to stay? Can they win without the Dutchman? No one knows, but right now it seems that Wenger has lost his golden star either to Manchester United now or after this season. However, the French has made some interesting signings in Podolski, Cazorla and Giroud and rumours says that one or two players might join the club before the season start. This season can be quite interesting for Arsenal. They now have a team combined of routine and talent. It might be new days for Gooners. 

3. A new Tottenham?

André Villas-Boas has taken the steering-wheel of Tottenham after the Spurs surprisingly sacked Harry Redknapp. The Portuguese immediately announced changes in the squad, which he has now begun. Several players have been rumored to have been transfer listed by their new manager while exciting players as Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen has joined the club. Harry’s work seems to be shattered into pieces by AVB, and a new Tottenham is about to rise. This season will show whether or not it is the right decision! 

4. Laudrup in Swansea

Not many had seen Michael Laudrup as the manager of Swansea. Many Danes where surprised that the legend would sign a contract with an English team, given his background in Spain. However, it seems Laudrup is doing his best to give Swansea the same success as they had under Brendan Rogers. One thing is for sure: The Spanish past has made its way into the Welsh team with the signings of Cuesta and the former Villareal player De Guzman. I’m looking forward to follow Laudrup this season. 

5. Can Newcastle do it even better this       season?

Newcastle had a great run last season, and has managed to keep their profiles so far in the transfer window. However, before the transfer window opened, several players were interested in joining the Toons, but so far they have only signed an Australian talent and Birigimana. Last season’s team was good, but they surprise-effect of Cissé and Demba Ba is gone now. Even so, I think we will see the black and white stripes in the top of the Premier League this year!

Keep an eye on: Andreas Retz Laudrup

    

               Age: 21 (10-11-1990)      

          Position: Striker - Left Wing

              Club: FCN (FC Nordsjælland),

                    Danish Superliga

             Debut: 23-04-2009

                    against Brøndby If,

                    Danish Superliga

International Caps: Denmark U21:

                    6 Match(es)

                    2 Goal(s)

                    Denmark U20:

                    1 Match(es)

                    0 Goal(s)

                    Denmark U19: 2 Match(es)

                                 0 Goal(s)

                    Denmark U18: 3 Match(es)

                                 0 Goal(s)

                    Denmark U17: 5 Match(es)

                                 0 Goal(s)

                    Denmark U16: 2 Match(es)

                                 0 Goal(s)

             Value: £450.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk)

“As soon as the name Laudrup is being mentioned, you think of especially Michael and Brian. People, conscious or unconscious, compare Andreas with his father and uncle. It is a heavy burden for a young player, but Andreas is aware of how it is and has become much stronger as well as a lot better in tackling this than he was before”.

“What I have seen from Andreas Laudrup is very positive. He has the right ingredients to become a star player”.

“Andreas is still a young player, and he is in a good club [FC Nordsjælland] at the moment, with a great environment, where they are good at developing young players. He has already of first team experience in the Danish Superliga, and he needs more of it before he can take the next step”.

“He has his best forces in the offensive play. When he has players around him whom he can play combination plays with, then he is really dangerous for the opponent because he has  quick feet and at the same time he knows where his teammates are. What he is working a lot with and what he is putting in his play is to be more decisive in the matches and thereby bringing himself or his fellow player in a position to finish at goal”.