Michael Laudrup: Ex-Swansea City manager 'sacked by email'

Ex-Swansea boss Michael Laudrup claims he was sacked by email, hours after being told his job was safe and shaking hands with chairman Huw Jenkins.

Laudrup, 49, led the club to League Cup victory last year, Swansea's only major trophy in their 102-year history.

However, he was dismissed this month after a poor run of form and amid arguments over his coaching staff.

"It happened just a few hours after we shook hands and, of course, I'm very, very confused," said Laudrup.

The Dane admitted he had disagreements with Jenkins and said he had to wait nine days before receiving an official letter explaining the decision.

Laudrup says he has still not been allowed to speak to his former players, but has written to them.

Swansea, who have placed club captain Garry Monk in charge, finished ninth in the Premier League last season, but had only won three of their past 13 matches in all competitions when Laudrup was sacked.

The former Real Mallorca manager claims he had discussions with Jenkins, who wanted Laudrup to sack his coaching staff. The former midfielder disagreed, and another meeting was called for Tuesday, 4 February - the day Laudrup was dismissed.

"At the meeting we ended up saying we have to stay together and we shook hands," said Laudrup. "[Jenkins] said 'thank you very much because you want to help the club'.

"Later that morning I received a mail that said 'due to a breach of your contract, with immediate effect, it's terminated'.

"I called the club and said 'what's going on'? I asked what 'breach' meant, but he couldn't explain it. While I was on the phone, my wife said she saw the story on the internet.

"I then spoke to someone from the club, who later brought me my things. I said 'could I speak to the staff and players?' He called me back and said 'the chairman thinks that's a bad idea'. I still have not said goodbye to anyone."

Laudrup, speaking at a news conference in London, said he had received messages of support from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-England striker Gary Lineker, like Laudrup a former Barcelona player.

"You get a lot of knocks to the head but I've been very happy for the help and support from people that have called me, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Gary Lineker," added Laudrup.

"The LMA (League Managers' Association) have been there for me from the start. They said unfortunately some clubs are using things [to sack people] but you are not a special case."

Swansea City have declined to comment.