Michael Laudrup has conceded that he was shocked to learn that he had been sacked by Swansea City.
The Dane was relieved of his duties at the Liberty Stadium a fortnight ago amid rumours of disagreements with the board and some of the players.
Speaking for the first time since his departure, Laudrup has insisted that following a meeting with chairman Huw Jenkins, he believed that he would remain in charge of last season's League Cup winners.
"What surprised me is that the meeting on Tuesday, things were in the papers. I leave that with the chairman," he told a press conference. "I said we had to stay together. We shook hands. Later this afternoon I received a mail saying due to breach of contract, with immediate effect they would terminate. Just hours after we shook hands. I was very confused. I asked what is going on? They said yes, but after thinking.
"I said, by the way, what does breach mean? He couldn't explain. He didn't know. While I was on the phone, my wife said it was already on the internet that I had been dismissed. The day after, they brought me my things at home.
"I was a little sad that I could not say 'bye' to my staff and players. The chairman said he thinks it is a bad idea because we have games coming up."
Laudrup has since been replaced by Garry Monk.
Liam Apicella
