Jumat, 23 November 2012

No Williams worries for Laudrup

Michael Laudrup: Has no concerns over duo's battle

Defender Williams criticised Suarez in a section of his book 'My Premier League Diary', accusing the Uruguayan of being a diver and showing contempt toward his fellow professionals.

The timing of the comments has stoked the fires ahead of Sunday's Liberty Stadium contest between the two sides, as Reds manager Brendan Rodgers and midfielder Joe Allen return to their former club for the first time.

But Laudrup does not believe the furore will affect the Wales captain.

He said: "We know all about Luis Suarez - and Ashley Williams certainly seems to know about him.

"The comments are not something that surprised me because nothing surprises me in football.

"There have been lots of comments about Suarez, not only from Swansea but lots of other clubs.

"But there is a referee on the pitch and three other officials and they have to manage the game. The important thing is for our players to keep inside the rules and I am 100% sure they will and we will try to win this game.

"But I have no problem with Ashley Williams playing against Luis Suarez, no problem at all."

Suarez, 25, has been in red-hot form this season, and has scored 13 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions.

Laudrup acknowledges it will be difficult to stop the former Ajax forward, and has warned his side they must look to cut off his supply if he is not to add to his tally.

"It is not about one man. We all agree he is a player to watch because he has scored 70 or 80% of their goals," he said.

"But it's only part of it; you have to look at the people who make the passes and stopping the service.

"He will get chances and he will create some things but the only thing we can do is watch him very carefully and try not to let him out of our sight.

"He is a clever player - you only have to see the equaliser at Chelsea to see that which was very smart.

"He is a goalscorer who has the insti nct about where the ball is going to go, but we know about him."

Laudrup has received an injury boost with midfielder Ki Sung-yueng back from a hamstring injury, while defender Kyle Bartley returns from a thigh injury.

Ki's return could see top scorer Michu moved back up front, with Itay Shechter making way.

Swansea have been on a good recent run, and climbed into the top half of the table with their 2-1 win at Newcastle.

They currently sit above Liverpool in the table, a fact that has not gone unnoticed among the Swansea faithful.

But Laudrup expects Rodgers and Allen to have a good reception at the Liberty.

He said: "I think the reception when we played them at Anfield was good for him and Joe and I think it will be the same here.

"Football is about strong emotions and I think it is up to each fan who comes to the stadium on Sunday to do what he or she wants to.

"He did great here, like Roberto Martinez and Paolo Sous a. We can't say how other people should react but if you ask me what I would do then I would applaud him."

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