Vitor Matos: Klopp’s ‘conductor’, and Modric’s blessing – who is the new Swansea City coach

After leaving Liverpool at the same time as Klopp in 2024, Matos spent time with Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg before taking over at Maritimo in the Portuguese second division.

That was just five months ago, his only senior role, but it is not the first time Swansea have given young players a chance.

Most notably, Roberto Martinez – now manager of the UEFA Nations League-winning Portuguese side – was still 33 years old when his appointment as coach was announced.

There were newcomers such as Gary Monk, who led Swansea to a record tally of Premier League points and eighth place in the Championship, while Graham Potter and Steve Cooper had never coached a senior team in England before their appointments.

Matos is different. Despite his coaching experience, he has only made 12 appearances as forward line coach with Maritimo.

“I understand if this is something that might concern some people,” Matos said.

“But at the same time, I feel completely prepared. If I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t be here and I hope everyone will feel more confident about everything in a month or two.”

“I’m here to try to change things that’s for sure.”

Swansea chief executive Tom Goring said the Championship club used statistical analysis during the recruitment process, metrics from Matos’ time at Marítimo, and put him on the shortlist before he won the job with a detailed presentation on what was needed at Swansea.

Matos also had the blessing of some of the former players consulted, not to mention minority owner Modric, the Croatia and Real Madrid superstar.

“He has been included in the process, not directly, so he is scheduled to speak to Vitor soon but has not done so yet,” Goering said, adding that the two are scheduled to speak in more detail in the coming days.

“Luca was familiar with a lot of the process as we moved through it. He was privy to the technical proposal and got a chance to review it — and was a strong supporter of where we ended up getting there.”

“The more information available, the more research you do, and the more conversations you have, the lower that risk level is.

“Throughout the process, Vitor was perfect in every area, and in the end you get more information, do more due diligence, and get a better feel for each other and how things will go.

“As we went through the process, we became more and more convinced that this was the right place.”