Swansea City appoint Vitor Matos as new head coach

Swansea City have confirmed the appointment of Vitor Matos as their new head coach, replacing former boss Alan Sheehan.

The Swans have won just one of their last eight Championship fixtures and sit just four points above the drop zone in 20th place.

Matos joins from Portuguese second-tier side C.S Maritimo on a contract running to 2029 , who he led to the top of the table before his departure.

Club legend Leon Britton and Joe Allen will assist in the coaching transition on a short-term basis as Matos takes the dugout for Tuesday’s fixture with Derby County.

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Stand-out

In a club statement, Swansea CEO Tom Gorringe said “We spoke to a range of candidates and Vitor was the clear stand-out with a cohesive plan of how to take our squad forward and improve.

“Vitor has spent over a decade working at elite clubs, and has been a trusted figure for some of the best coaches operating in the modern game.

“He is committed to playing an attacking brand of football, and to developing players technically and tactically, and we are sure supporters are going to enjoy watching his Swansea City team in action.”

FRESH FACE: New Swansea City boss Vitor Matos PICTURE: Alamy

Youthful

Matos spent five years as elite development coach at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, aiding the tactical transition of academy players to the first team.

The Portuguese coach helped aid the development of players such as Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, alongside working on his UEFA Pro Licence whilst at the club.

Prior to his spell in Merseyside, Matos spent time with FC Porto and Shandong Luneng in China before a short spell at Red Bull Salzburg as assistant to Pep Lijnders.

The club confirmed they are working on “finalising a backroom staff that provides the support and expertise to give him (Matos) the best chance of being successful.”

Matos’ first test is 12th-place Derby County, who sit a mere two points off a play-off place, as the Swans look to shake off their bad form and escape a relegation battle.

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