Swansea have announced Vitor Matos as their new manager
Swansea City have confirmed the appointment of Vitor Matos as their new head coach.
The Portuguese replaces Alan Sheehan in the Swansea.com Stadium dugout, signing a four-year deal, and will be in charge for tomorrow night’s game against Derby County.
The 37-year-old joins from Portuguese second-tier club CS Maritimo, while he has a spell working with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool on his CV.
Swansea initially wanted Hammarby boss Kim Hellberg to succeed Sheehan, but quickly pivoted their interest towards Matos when Middlesbrough moved in for the Swede.
Matos was in the stands at Ashton Gate to watch his new club lose to Bristol City at the weekend, and he takes over a side sitting 20th in the Championship.
The club have also confirmed club legend Leon Britton has joined the coaching team on a short-term basis, while Joe Allen will also assist with the transition while Matos’ backroom staff is sorted.
Darren O’Dea and Richard Stearman have also left the club, the club have announced.
“Swansea, for me, have always had a style. Something that distinguished the club from all the others,” Matos said.
“Somehow we have got a bit far away from what is the DNA of the club.
“So it will take steps, it will take a bit of time, but I really believe we can take steps in the right direction.
“For that, we will need everyone, the whole club, all the fans and us all to have the same vision.
“That’s what I want. I see the fans are still behind and pushing the team, we will need them and I see players who want to change the momentum and we need to find the right idea and the right vision to do it.
“That’s the most important thing. It is clear we need to win games and points, but we need to focus on the process and I really believe if we can play to our best then the more chances we will have to win. That’s the direction we need to have.”
Swansea City 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.”
Swansea host Derby in SA1 on Tuesday (7.45pm).
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