Swansea Manager Vitor Matos: Team Not Yet at Full Form Swansea City will begin their 2025/26 EFL Cup campaign against Birmingham City on Saturday, with manager Vitor Matos emphasizing that the team is still in the process of reaching its full potential. Matos acknowledged that while the squad has made progress during pre-season, there is still work to be done before the team can be considered fully prepared for the challenges ahead. The Swans are set to field a squad featuring five summer signings in their opening match, with Stephen Welsh, Tiago Parente, Joseph Opoku, Elijah Just, and Moussa Yeo all in contention for debuts. These additions, along with the return of Ross Stewart in the coming weeks, will bring a fresh dynamic to the squad. However, Matos noted that integrating these new players into the team’s structure will require time and careful planning. The manager highlighted the importance of adapting to the return of international players who have been absent from training due to national team commitments. “You need to introduce the new signings and you need to adapt international players who return [to training] later,” Matos explained. “There are a lot of small things that need time.” Matos also addressed the broader context of the team’s development, stating that Swansea is still in the process of regaining their competitive edge. “Like all the teams at the moment, we are getting back in terms of game quality, in terms of fitness. That will come with the competitive games,” he said. The manager’s comments reflect the ongoing adjustments required as Swansea transitions from a summer of significant roster changes.#birmingham_city #swansea_city #vitor_matos #efl_cup #stephen_welsh
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
