English Football League / Paul Moon / 11 April 2008 / 1 Comments

Pablo caught up with Roberto Martinez to ask him about life after Lee Trundle, Spain's chances at Euro 2008 and betting.betfair.com blogger David Artell and his dress sense

There is no doubt that these are exhilarating times for Cardiff City Football Club and their Welsh supporters. The FA Cup Final against Portsmouth on 17 May 2008 at Wembley will be their first since 1927 with the prospect of playing in Europe next season.

But let's not lose sight of the importance of the impending promotion of Swansea City, under the inspired Roberto Martinez from League One to the Championship. There is a sense that the halcyon days of the early 1980s under John Toshack are back. Swansea City are currently [1.01] with Betfair to be promoted and [1.15] to be League One Winners.

I visited the Swans in training last week to find out the secret behind the team's success this season and the man behind that success - manager Roberto Martinez. I was immediately impressed with one of the most articulate and promising young managers in the football league! He told me, "It was vitally important that I changed the attitude and the way the players thought quickly. We had the most intensive seven weeks of pre- season training possible and from this we started on our path to success".

I asked if there was some irony in the fact that Swansea will get promoted the season after selling their best player in Lee Trundle? He shrugged his shoulders appreciatively and said "Yes, Lee is an excellent player. Both myself and the players had to adapt to counter his absence and I am pleased that they have achieved it magnificently".

When asked what would represent success for Swansea next season in the Championship he responded, "I want to improve the Football Club in every single department. To improve the players individually and as a team, to improve the way we do things and to take the club forward professionally. I want to go the next stage. My goal is to get to the Premiership in 5 to 10 years. That is my dream!"

Looking forward to next year to the Championship I asked what players he needed and in what positions. He replied, "We need just two or three core players to help competition with places. I think that the players I have will compete and get better". He refused to be drawn on personal situations of individual players and is firmly waiting for the season to close before making his moves to strengthen the Squad for next season's campaign.

His favourite and most defining moment of the season and when he knew he had a winning team was when Swansea beat Leeds 3-2 with 10 men in December 2007 after an early sending off. When asked for his player of the season he replied that he did not have one but a group of six who have performed outstandingly and stayed consistent all year.

He told me that his most important lesson that he has learnt as a manager is that you must be prepared to work hard. He only had 3 days off for holiday last summer and has been busy since working 24/7 in preparing his team. He is hoping to spend a few days with his family in his Ibizan home this summer.

I was surprised with his two favourite managers in football. Martinez is a big admirer of Johan Cruyff and the best manager he has played under was hard man Bruce Rioch (did he start the Arsenal revolution?). He appreciated his leadership qualities. He made a special mention of Brian Flynn saying that he had the utmost respect for this man!

He agreed that Spain have been habitual under achievers in tournaments but is backing Spain to win Euro 2008. He is convinced that this time they have leadership on the field to make their quality count. I agree that second favourites Spain trading at [7.2] with Betfair will go mighty close. He believes that Liverpool or Chelsea will win the Champions League but he will be cheering on Barcelona.

Snappy dresser Martinez passed on his good wishes to my fellow betting.betfair.com blogger David Artell. He remembered this typically good, solid, English centre half as a 'follower' of fashion. "Dave wore the exactly the same clothes as I did...only two years later!" Martinez chuckled.

Tags: Lee Trundle, Roberto Martinez, Swansea City promotion