Michael Laudrup sacked: Garry Monk takes first training session

The long serving captain looks likely to take control until the end of the season

Garry Monk pictured celebrating after Swansea won the League Cup in 2013 (GETTY IMAGES)

Swansea began life after Michael Laudrup on Wednesday as Garry Monk took charge of his first training session.

Long-serving defender Monk, now installed as head coach, together with first-team coach Alan Curtis put the Swansea players through their paces as preparations continued for Saturday's south Wales derby clash against Cardiff.

Swansea announced on Tuesday night the decision to part company with 49-year-old Laudrup, who had overseen a solitary win from the last 10 Barclays Premier League games.

Swansea said Monk and Curtis have been put in charge "for the foreseeable future".

That dismal run run of results means the Swans stand just two points above the relegation zone, and Monk and Curtis have been entrusted with masterminding a revival.

Despite Swansea winning the Capital One Cup during Laudrup's reign, his relationship with the club had reportedly been strained since a major disagreement over transfer policy last summer.

Announcing Laudrup's exit, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said: "It is a decision we have taken reluctantly, but it's a decision made in the best interests of Swansea City Football Club and our supporters.

"It is the first time in nearly 10 years that the club has parted with a manager in this way, but we had to remove the constant uncertainty surrounding the club and Michael's long-term future with us.

"I had a meeting with Michael today (Tuesday) in a final attempt to support him and establish a way to improve the work of the backroom team to secure the results we need over the final 14 Premier League games.

"However, after thinking long and hard about the best way forward, I felt it was unlikely we would achieve a stable environment at the club to allow us to get back to basics and produce the performance levels that have served Swansea City so well over the last few years.

"Now we need to put that uncertainty behind us and move forward as a united football club on all fronts, while placing on record our gratitude to Michael for the work he has done over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future."

Laudrup, who had previously had managerial spells with four different clubs including Brondby, Real Mallorca and Getafe, was appointed in 2012 as replacement for Brendan Rodgers.

Problems first surfaced last summer when it is thought Laudrup and Jenkins fell out over transfer targets.

Press Association Sport understands tensions have also remained throughout the current season, and there has also been disquiet about the intensity of training sessions.

The Swansea City Supporters' Trust, meanwhile, is expected to give an official reaction to Laudrup's departure in a statement later on Wednesday morning.

PA