Swansea may field more Spanish players than Valencia in Europa Cup tie

Michu will lead Swansea’s attack against Valencia

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup jokingly stated that his team could be mistaken for a Spanish side when they face Valencia in the Europa League play-off, The Metro reports.

Swansea will begin their Europa League quest against Valencia who are off to their worst start in 14 years.

Swansea is expected to field all 5 of their Spanish stars against Valencia’s four.

Laudrup is expected play star striker Michu along with Angel Rangel, Chico Flores, Jose Canas in the Europa League game. Ex-Valencia midfielder and current Swansea player Pablo Hernandez is out with injury.

Laudrup, who has had stints with Getafe and Mallorca jokingly said: “Maybe we will have more Spanish players in our side than Valencia!”

The Swansea manager is confident of overcoming a shaky Valencia side.

Laudrup said: “I’m quite confident (of getting a result) because even though Valencia are a huge team, winning leagues, getting to Champions League finals and all that in the last ten or 11 years, I don’t think the gap between the two teams right now is that big.

“Valencia have been the third team in Spain for many years, behind the two big ones. But, at this moment, Atletico Madrid are just above them.

“They have a new manager, and again they have sold a couple of their top players, like (Roberto) Soldado to Tottenham.

“They have had a tough start with just one win in four games and on Sunday they play Sevilla at home so it’s a difficult moment for them.

“But that’s not my problem – it’s their problem. All the pressure is on Valencia. We have to try and play our best and I think we have a good chance of getting a positive result.”

Spanish centre-back Chico hopes Swansea can make the home fans turn on Miroslav Djukic’s side.

He said: “Spanish fans get more anxious and nervous if their team do not get the results they expect. In Britain, it’s not like this.”

Swansea recently drew 2-2 with Liverpool.