IF YOU THINK Swansea’s Capital One Cup final meeting with Bradford City is something of a mismatch, the careers of the respective managers are worlds apart.
Swans boss has got a Serie A league winner’s medal to his name and had the honour of playing for both sides of the El Clasico. Bradford City’s Phil Parkinson, meanwhile, can point to captaining Reading to promotion to the old First Division as his greatest achievement.
However, since stepping into management, Laudrup (who are less than three years older than Parkinson) has only won trophies in his native Denmark – with a league, two cups and two Super Cups with Brondby.
Victory in the Capital One Cup this afternoon will be a significant achievement to a man who has taken to the Premier League effortlessly. For League Two outfit Bradford, their presence in the final is an historic achievement in itself after wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Another upset would see them become the first team outside the top tier of English football to win a cup since Sheffield Wednesday shocked Manchester United in 1991.
As a player:
Michael Laudrup
Clubs include:
- Lazio
- Juventus
- Barcelona
- Real Madrid
- Ajax
Honours include:
- Serie A
- La Liga (4)
- Copa de Rey
- Spanish Super Cup
- UEFA Super Cup
Career highlights:
YouTube credit: Malcolm Sacco
Phil Parkinson
Clubs:
- Southampton
- Bury
- Reading
Honours:
- Second Division runner-up
As a manager
Laudrup
Credit: Nick Potts/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Clubs managed:
- Bronby
- Getafe
- Sparktak Moscow
- Mallorca
- Swansea
Honours:
- Danish Superliga
- Danish Cup
Parkinson
Credit: PA Wire/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Clubs managed:
- Colchester United
- Hull City
- Charlton Athletic
- Bradford City
Honours:
- League One runners-up
