Michael Laudrup: I had to research Swansea

Laudrup reveals he knew little of Swansea when they came calling about manager's job

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UPDATED:

14:20 GMT, 21 June 2012

New Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has admitted he had to research the club before accepting the offer to succeed Brendan Rodgers.

Laudrup also revealed he did not intend to make wholesale changes to the backroom staff at the Liberty Stadium or bring in a host of new players.

The 48-year-old former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder said: 'I didn't know so much (about Swansea), to be honest.

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

New era: Michael Laudrup admits he knew little of Swansea when he was called

'I think the research is very important. If I had done some more research in former jobs I might have taken some other decisions,' added Laudrup, who has also coached Getafe, Spartak Moscow and Real Mallorca.

'The people I talked to were very positive (about Swansea). People said 'Michael it would be a good club for you'.'

Laudrup, who won 104 caps for Denmark, revealed he would not be making changes in a hurry.

'I would like a new beginning, to come in and see how things are here. Change for change's sake, I don't think that is good.'

Laudrup would not be drawn over
midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who performed well on loan at Swansea from
German club Hoffenheim last season.

Swansea hope to sign the Iceland
international midfielder on a permanent basis but Rodgers has admitted
he would like to take him to Liverpool.

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club - Ajax, Barcelona - and country - Denmark

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club – Ajax, Barcelona – and country – Denmark

Pedigree: Laudrup enjoyed success with club - Ajax, Barcelona - and country - Denmark

Laudrup said: 'It's a special case. He was on loan here and did very well. He has a possibility to go to another club. He is owned by a German club. I would like him to stay, he did very well here.'

Laudrup revealed he had spoken to chairman Huw Jenkins at length about the possibility of making new signings.

Impressive: Gylfi Sigurdsson shone at Swansea on loan last season

Impressive: Gylfi Sigurdsson shone at Swansea on loan last season

'To sign seven or eight players does not make sense,' he added.

Jenkins said Laudrup's pedigree had been a big factor in the club bringing him in as the new manager.

He said: We're delighted to have somebody with Michael's background. It's great for us as a club that Michael has joined us.

'The most important thing is finding the right person with the personality to forge the right sort of relationship.

'We are really looking forward to taking the club forward and carrying on the good work we have done in the last two years.'