Swansea City have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos as their new head coach on a substantial four-year contract.
From Anfield to South Wales
The 37-year-old Portuguese coach, who was a trusted member of Jurgen Klopp's backroom staff at Liverpool, takes charge at the Swansea.com Stadium following his departure from Portuguese side Maritimo.
Matos originally joined Liverpool in October 2019 as an elite development coach, playing a crucial role in the club's first Premier League title triumph in 30 years during his five-year tenure at Anfield.
He departed Merseyside alongside Klopp in May 2024, the same month he obtained his prestigious Uefa Pro Licence, before following Pep Lijnders to Red Bull Salzburg when the now-Manchester City coach took over the Austrian club.
Swansea's New Vision
Swansea chief executive Tom Gorringe expressed considerable enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: "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."
Gorringe highlighted Matos's impressive pedigree, noting: "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."
The Swansea CEO also emphasised the style of football supporters can expect, adding: "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 team in action."
Immediate Championship Challenge
Matos faces an immediate test with his first match in charge coming in Tuesday's Championship encounter against Derby County.
The club also confirmed that interim manager Darren O'Dea has departed along with Richard Stearman, clearing the way for Matos to implement his own backroom team and philosophy at the Welsh club.
This appointment marks Matos's second senior management position following his recent spell at Maritimo, where he gained his first experience as a number one manager before making the move to South Wales.
