Soccerstarz - Manager Michael Laudrup

Current manager of Qatar Stars League club Lekhwiya.

Swansea City appointed Michael Laudrup as manager on June 15, 2012, following the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool. Laudrup enjoyed a hugely successful playing career, most notably in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

After lifting the Serie A title with Juventus followed by the Intercontinental Cup, he then won four La Liga titles in a row with Barca. While at the Nou Camp, the Great Dane also won the Copa Del Rey, Spanish Super Cup (twice), European Cup and Uefa Super Cup in a side containing the likes of Romario, Hristo Stoichkov and Pep Guardiola.

A switch to Real saw him lift the La Liga title for the fifth consecutive time, before a move to Ajax added the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup.

On the international stage, Laudrup again played with distinction. He won 104 caps, scoring 37 goals while he also led his nation to the Confederations Cup in 1995. He featured in five major tournaments, including the European Championships in 1984, '88 and '96 - though he missed his country's finest moment when Denmark surprisingly won the tournament in '92.
Laudrup also graced the global stage as he was also involved in the World Cups in 1986 and '98, and called time on his playing career in 1998 following a short stint at Ajax.

Laudrup had a list of accolades to add to the numerous trophies he won during his playing career. He was named the Best Foreign Player in Spanish Football for the previous 25 years in 1999, and a year later he was knighted - receiving the Order of the Dannebrog.

In 2006, he was also named the best Danish player of all time by the Danish FA. He started his steps on the coaching ladder by assisting national coach Morten Olsen as he helped his nation reached the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup.

Laudrup took his first job on the domestic scene back in his homeland with old club Brondby. After quickly building a reputation for his team's stylish play and giving young talents an opportunity, Laudrup matched potential with success as he guided Brondby to the Danish Superliga, Danish Cup (twice) and Danish Super Cup (twice).

His success in his homeland attracted the attention of Getafe, as Laudrup returned to La Liga as a manager in 2007. At the Madrid-based club, Laudrup led them to a mid-table finish and the Copa Del Rey final along with a spot in the last eight of the Uefa Cup.

After a successful year at Getafe, a move to Russian club Spartak Moscow lasted just seven months before he returned to La Liga with Real Mallorca in July 2010. At the Iberostar Stadium, he defied financial problems at the club to keep them afloat in the top division before leaving in September 2011.