Laudrup plays down Barca link

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has moved quickly to
try and quash speculation linking him with the
vacancy at Barcelona. The Spanish champions are starting their search for a
new manager after Tito Vilanova stepped aside from
his position due to serious illness. Laudrup, who won four Primera Division titles in five
years as a player with Barcelona between 1989 and
1994, tried to fend off questions about the link. "I can't comment on the speculation, it's all just
happened today and even for those in the club who
maybe knew about the situation, I still think the
announcement will have come as a shock," Laudrup
said. "Just a few weeks ago I read he had said he was
strong and feeling 100 per cent ahead of the new
season, but now he's gone. I don't know what
they're going to do so let's see. "I don't know Vilanova personally but of course I
have been following what has happened. It's very
sad. I don't know much more than what has been
announced tonight. "I hope he will get fit again as this is only football and
life is more important."