Half-way through January, and so far we're safe. Michael Laudrup hasn't had to fend off any firm interest for players, hasn't had to deal with any unrest in the squad or worry about impending departures. But that time will come.
It is the harsh reality of life in the Premier League that with success comes attention. Admiring glances have been heading Swansea's way for some time, but the first leg victory at Stamford Bridge has taken that to a new level. From the stand-in Tremmel to the star Michu, the players showed a new level of self-assuredness that had been lacking in Brendan Rodgers' time at the club.
They demonstrated their ability to play a different style, losing out in the possession stakes but defending stoically in the face of intense pressure. There was not a single corner for Swansea in the game, yet the two clear cut chances were taken with aplomb. Laudrup has instilled a ruthlessness in the mentality of the players, and the greatest example of that is in the play of Michu.
Viewed as a revelation only by those who don't pay attention to Spanish football, he has taken advantage of the paucity of defensive rigidity in the English game. Whether making runs from deep, in a slightly advanced version of the role perfected by Frank Lampard, or leading the line alone, he has made those scouts who missed him the first time sit up and take notice. Sir Alex Ferguson stated (perhaps slightly erroneously), that he had never heard of the Spaniard prior to him bursting on to the scene in Wales, but he definitely has now. It is Michu's composure in front of goal, and performances against the bigger clubs, that have attracted interest.
Composure is a word that can also be placed by the name of Ashley Williams based on recent displays. After an error strewn early season spell which cost both club and country, Williams has once again found the form which he showed last season. His performances have been littered with crucial interceptions due to his intuitive positioning, and he has regained his calm presence with the ball at his feet. Liverpool are obvious suitors, although presumably no move will now be sanctioned due to the Dalglish-induced frugality of the American owners at Anfield. Yet with tabloid rumour regular Ryan Shawcross having signed a new long term deal, Williams seems set to be the go-to guy for reporters looking to fill column inches.
Huw Jenkins is no mug. Last summer's double departure to Liverpool acts as a reminder of how quickly the football world turns. And although Joe Allen has at times struggled with the nuances of his slightly different role, that shouldn't put clubs off recruiting from Wales' premier side.
The scouts will be watching intently from now until May, seeing which of the men in white have what it takes to perform at the highest level. So January may well turn out to be a historic month for the club, but that piece of history could come at a price.
