Swansea City's Vitor Matos Emphasizes Hunger for Success Against Sheffield United Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos has stressed the importance of "hunger" as his team prepares to face Sheffield United in a Championship match on Friday. The Swans, currently sitting in 14th place in the league table, will take on the 17th-placed Blades, both teams expected to finish in the mid-table range of the season. Matos highlighted the need for a focused mindset as the season enters its final stretch, emphasizing that the team must approach each game with determination and clarity. "Understanding the last part of the season is crucial," Matos said. "We need to squeeze everything from it, and that starts with the right mentality and mindset, game by game. Facing Sheffield United requires that hunger to compete against a strong team with experienced players, a solid manager, and a history of success in the league." The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Chris Wilder's side, which boasts a roster of players with Premier League experience and a reputation for tactical discipline. Swansea's recent performance has been a mix of promise and setbacks. Their most recent league match ended in a home defeat against league leaders Coventry City, marking their first home league loss since Matos took charge of the team. While the Swans have shown resilience in some games, their away form has been less convincing. They rank among the Championship clubs with the worst away records, having lost more than 15 matches on the road this season. This trend has raised concerns about their ability to secure points in hostile environments, a weakness that could prove costly in the race for mid-table safety. The historical context of the matchup adds another layer of complexity.#championship #sheffield_united #swansea_city #vitor_matos #bramall_lane
West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison has urged his relegation-threatened squad to adopt a mindset of confidence, insisting they must believe they can win every game remaining in the Championship season. The former Albion midfielder, who took temporary charge of the club on 24 February, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive approach after securing their first point under his management in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United. The result lifted West Brom out of the relegation zone as they prepare to host in-form Southampton in a crucial match. Morrison, who has been given the permanent role until the end of the season, praised the team's response to his initial challenges, calling the draw a "positive result" that sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. "We’ve got to back it up," he said, highlighting the need for strong home performances to keep the team in contention. Morrison’s tenure has not been without setbacks. His first game in charge ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Oxford United, a loss he described as "unacceptable." He also criticized his players’ mental resilience after that match, noting their "mentally fragile" state. However, he claimed the team has since regrouped, with improved training sessions and a renewed focus on matchday preparation. "It’s not about the training, it’s about what we do on a matchday," he said, stressing the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. The upcoming clash against Southampton presents a significant test. The Saints are on a 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions and have already secured a play-off spot, sitting four points above West Brom. Morrison acknowledged Southampton’s confidence but challenged his players to believe they can overcome any opponent.#west_bromwich_albion #james_morrison #sheffield_united #southampton #the_hawthorns
