Michael Laudrup is a Danish legend, considered the country's greatest-ever footballer. He has followed his outstanding playing career by moving into management, a journey that led him to take the manager's job at Welsh club Swansea in 2012.

During his playing days, Laudrup spent time with such heavyweights as Juventus, Lazio, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Ajax. Among many honours, he claimed four straight La Liga titles with Barca before moving to rivals Real and winning a fifth consecutive league crown.

On the international stage, he won 104 caps for Denmark, featuring in five major tournaments. In 1998 he called time on his international playing career, although he would soon return in a coaching capacity.

In 2000, he was appointed as assistant to Morten Olsen. The pair impressed at the helm, instilling an exciting brand of football. Together they led the team to the knockout stage of the 2002 World Cup. After the tournament, Laudrup took up his first managerial role.

He was put in charge of Brondby, a club he had represented during his early playing career. He injected youth into the squad and implemented a similar brand of football to that demonstrated during his time as No.2 with Denmark.

His methods soon reaped rewards, as he guided Brondby to the Danish Superliga, the Danish Cup (twice) and the Danish Super Cup (also twice). He left in 2006 and a year later, following reported interest from several clubs, took up a role in Spain with Getafe.

At Getafe, Laudrup comfortably staved off relegation and also led his new side to the Copa del Rey final, losing to Valencia. They also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup, only to be knocked out by Bayern Munich.

He then spent a brief spell in charge of Spartak Moscow before returning to Spain once more, this time with Real Mallorca. Despite financial strife, Laudrup's Mallorca avoided the drop. He parted company with the team in September 2011, before being targeted by Swansea as Brendan Rodgers' replacement and signing a two-year contract in June 2012.

Strengths: The Dane has an eye for potential and is keen to give youth a chance.

Weaknesses: Brondby aside, he has yet to enjoy something approaching a prolonged period in charge of a club.

Career high: Leading Brondby to a Danish league and cup double in 2005.

Career low: Being sacked by Spartak Moscow after amassing four points from their opening four matches of the season.

Tactics: Tends to employ a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation, utilising pacey wingers and a short passing game.

Quotes: "I didn't know so much [about Swansea], to be honest." - Michael Laudrup admits he had to do research on the club.

Trivia: When in charge of Brondby, he made John "Faxe" Jensen his assistant coach, having played alongside him in the Danish national team.