Matos on tactics, Klopp’s influence, and taking Swans to top of the league

Vitor Matos has taken Swansea City from fears of relegation to the top of the Championship after 10 matches, despite having managed only 12 senior games before his appointment. His rise reflects a 23-year coaching career across several countries and roles, including spells working with Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool and Pep Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg.

Matos says Liverpool shaped his emphasis on pressing and counter-pressing, but he also draws on experience in Portugal and China. At Swansea, he aimed to rebuild confidence, settle on a back four and establish an aggressive 4-3-3, adapting pressing positions and triggers to the players available. Swansea have won seven of their first 10 league games.