So this is it. Michael Laudrup’s honeymoon in Wales ends with a shuddering thud; he of all people didn’t expect such an event occurring after last season’s run to the silverware, albeit it being only the Capital One Cup. But it was a trophy nevertheless, and how often have you seen a small club like Swansea lift a trophy in the past. That is probably none, because they haven’t won anything meaningful in their far-from-illustrious history. Laudrup’s reign at the Liberty Stadium coincided with the Swans’ most productive period in their entire history perhaps. But chairman Huw Jenkins couldn’t bear the slump any longer, and promptly pulled the trigger. How far he will be vindicated is another matter; the bigger issue now is who will replace him at such a crucial point of the league season. Here are a possible few candidates who could be set to move into newer surroundings in Wales.
- ROBERTO DI MATTEO
Di Matteo is a free agent; it is common for a European cup winning manager to be a free agent these days. Andre Villas-Boas and Jupp Heynckes also add to the list. Di Matteo took Chelsea to a European Cup winning run two years ago; but has so far struggled to follow on the reputation he enhanced during that fated journey. He has been linked with a whole host of clubs ever since his glory days at Chelsea came to an abrupt end, but has failed to land any of the jobs. Perhaps he is bad at job interviews or his is so Italian that he puts his suitors off. Jokes apart, Di Matteo’s credentials at the bottom of the table look not-too-impressive. He was sacked mid-season twice in his young managerial career, once at West Brom and the other at Chelsea. Swans fans won’t hold much of a hope from the bald, smiling Italian.
- DENNIS BERGKAMP
One name doing the rounds in various media is Ajax’s assistant coach and Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp. A wonderful player during his days like Laudrup was himself; Bergkamp’s appointment would mean an instant rise of stock for Swansea. For a player so popular and loved in England as Bergkamp, a relegation battle with Swansea wouldn’t be an ideal environment to start his managerial sojourn. Perhaps he should wait for better opportunities in the future, but don’t rule out anything as Huw Jenkins has a penchant for doing the outrageous.
- OSCAR GARCIA
The Brighton boss has been given quite a lot of shoutouts in the past few days, probably because of his dedication towards the passing football which Swansea so love to associate themselves with. The Premier league might be a task too big for the Spaniard’s shoulders, and neither will the men at the top risk appointing such an inexperienced manager. He would’ve been an ideal candidate had it been the start of the season; the relegation battle surely is a game for the wiser heads.
- GLENN HODDLE
The former England boss has talked himself up and linked himself with a host of clubs over the past couple of years but has so far failed to get a payday. Hoddle is one of the more successful English managers, but his acrimonious sacking from Tottenham a decade ago spelt some sort of an end to his career at the top. He works as a pundit these days, and seldom has he hid his desire to manage again. Whether he could steer Swansea to safety is the big question; but given his vast experience and volatile nature, I wouldn’t bet against him doing great things. Everybody in England would love a Hoddle return to the dugout, but whether that dugout is at the Liberty is everybody’s to guess.
- MARCELO BIELSA
The wily Argentine is one of the few tactical revolutionaries around in world football now, and Swansea could do a lot worse than not appointing him. Bielsa has been around for ages it seems, but he is only 58 and after a brief hiatus, will only be hungrier. Bielsa bring with him his unparalleled pedigree and would be an ideal fit at Swansea given his knack for trusting the youth and favor for pure attacking football. Bielsa left Athletic Bilbao last year and is without a job, so it won’t be hard to get him. But at least he must fine tune his broken English, or Welsh maybe.
