Vitor Matos took his first full training session today prior to the West Bromwich Albion game at the Hawthorns on Saturday (3pm) With tickets still on sale for the fixture at generous prices the Swans can again expect a noisy supoort for this game.
Adults are £32, 20-25 years £20, 17-19 £15, under 17’s £10, and under 14’s £7, over 65’s will have to bite the bullet and pay £27. Decent prices overall for a Championship fixture. A trip to the Hawthorns is always welcome with a load of good hostelries around the ground, The Vine a permanent favourite.
Vitor has had nowhere near enough time to assess his players with a first eleven being prompted by stand in advisors Joe Allen and Leon Britton on Tuesday night. The mantra today was ‘counter press’ which Matos mentioned post match on Tuesday, and again today in his pre match brief. It’s clear where he sees momentum being gained and the catalyst for winning possession and building attacks. He is also looking at quick delivery into the feet of his strikers to afford more goalscoring opportunities. Sadly on Tuesday evening against Derby County, especially in the second half he saw his side literally disintegrate without any answers to the superbly marshalled Rams defence. They did everything right with confidence and good leadership.
The Baggies boss, Ryan Mason saw his side lose a lead against Birmingham City on Wednesday evening with fans now getting rather restless about his continuation in the role of head coach. It was also interesting to note that our old mate Colin had a view on the Swans managerial appointments with comments that some may well agree with. Or not of course.
This is always the issue and Vitor Matos will do well to get this Swansea side moving. He believes though it will be February before we see the real Championship take shape. The Swans have a full and fit squad to choose from come Saturday when the team sheets are handed in. Many will want to see a more attacking influence on the game compared to Tuesday evening. The Swans have to take some measures to score goals and take points from games.
Vitor’s full pre match chat is below. It’s nice to see the Swans at last considering the fact communication is what the fans want to see and hear from the club and its head coach. An update on the three coaches that Vitor wants in from discussions on Monday is that primarily work permits are delaying matters. Remuneration also needs to be completed. Nothing is as smooth or straight forward as people would like, of course dependent on their agenda.
More on the game tomorrow with a full report on the Swans opponents. As you know our research and determination to get you the right news will always be a priority.