Laudrup tells Swansea to enjoy European spotlight

"We don't know when Swansea will be in Europe next, so we need to take advantage and enjoy it," said manager Michael Laudrup, imploring his side to seize the day in the UEFA Europa League this term.

After qualifying for the competition by earning a first major trophy in the shape of last season's English League Cup, Swansea City AFC have done just that. They posted big home wins against Malmö FF and FC Petrolul Ploieşti in qualifying before well and truly laying down a marker with a 3-0 success at Valencia CF in their opening Group A match.

"When I saw the group, I said, OK, we can all agree that Valencia are the favourites. But I think, with all respect, if we play at our level, we have a good chance of moving through to the knockout phase," said the quietly confident Laudrup, who is no stranger to the European scene. The Dane lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with FC Barcelona in 1992, while as coach of Getafe CF he reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2008.

With FC St Gallen and FC Kuban Kransodar visiting south Wales on the next two matchdays, Laudrup is hoping to close in on qualification. "If we do well in these next two home games, then we could be very close to making it through to the next stage," said the 49-year-old.

To watch more of UEFA.com's interview with Laudrup, click on the video player above