Laudrup Concerned With Lack of Chances Created

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is concerned that his team are not creating many chances in games, as they slumped to a third consecutive defeat on Saturday.

After a superb opening 3 games where they picked up two wins and a draw, the next 3 games have been quite the opposite. From being clinical in front of goal and solid at the back, the Swans have now failed to score in the last 3, while conceding 7.

Like they were in the 3-0 home defeat against Everton, Swansea City were very sloppy in possession and struggled to make any impact until the second half, but by then it was too late as they were already 2-0 down.

Laudrup now says it’s vital that his side pick up points in the next two consecutive home games having struggled on their recent travels.

“Our next two games are home games and we all know how important the points are for us at home and we need them,”

“We have played six games and the seven points we have is acceptable, but we know getting into the second round of six games we need at least the same return of points. We have to start well with two home games.

“Life for a side like us in the Premier League will always be a rollercoaster.

“After a couple of games everything is positive and now this – but this is a long journey and it will be a marathon until May.”

Laudrup also spoke about Stoke’s ability at set pieces, and even admitted that he never expected his side to keep a clean sheet at the Britannia Stadium, believing his side needed to score a few goals to get a result.

“We said before the game about set-pieces and we did well with about eight or nine of them,”

‘But of course you cannot stop every corner and that is where they got their first goal.

“And I think we could have kept the ball a bit longer so when we lost it it was higher up the pitch because when we lost the ball near our 18 yard box we made it more difficult for us.

“I did think we were much better in the second-half, especially with our tempo but we didn’t create enough chances like we have done in recent games, even when we have lost.

“We only had two or three which is not what we are used to. I think we realise we have to admit the numbers don’t lie and it is three games with no wins and no goals.

‘We do have to remember this is half a new team including Ben Davies who is so young but I cannot say anything about the attitude. I think the important thing for us is to look at why we didn’t create more chances.”