Swansea City Eyes Vitor Matos as New Manager Amid Urgent Leadership Crisis
Swansea City AFC is racing against time to appoint a new manager after sacking Alan Sheehan in early November 2025, with Portuguese coach Vitor Matos emerging as the front-runner. The Swansea City AFC board faces immense pressure as the team prepares for an away fixture against Bristol City at Ashton Gate Stadium on November 22, 2025 — just days away. With no interim coach in place, the squad is navigating training sessions under assistant staff, and the lack of leadership is beginning to show in training ground morale. This isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about preventing a downward spiral in the EFL Championship.
Why Vitor Matos? The Portuguese Connection
Vitor Matos, 37, is currently manager of Portuguese side Maritimo, and his CV speaks volumes. He spent years as assistant to Sérgio Conceição at FC Porto, learning under one of Europe’s most tactically astute managers. That pedigree, combined with his own successful stint leading Maritimo to mid-table stability in the Primeira Liga, makes him an attractive option. According to The72.co.uk’s November 18 report, Swansea City sees him as a "good CV" candidate — someone who can bring structure, discipline, and a modern approach to a squad that’s been drifting since Sheehan’s departure.But it’s not just about coaching ability. Financials matter too. Football Fancast confirmed that Hammarby IF, where Matos previously managed, would require approximately £250,000 in compensation to release him. That’s a significant sum, but one Swansea’s board appears willing to pay — especially after their initial target, Kim Hellberg, slipped away to Middlesbrough. Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported Middlesbrough is in "advanced talks" with Hellberg, effectively closing the door on Swansea’s first choice.
The Russell Martin Myth
Bookmakers had briefly made former Swansea boss Russell Martin the favorite to return. But FansNetwork.co.uk’s exclusive report on November 17, 2025, shut that down. "As of this evening there is no intention," wrote author Keith Haynes. Martin, who managed the club from August 1, 2021, to June 2023, won 36 games, lost 36, and drew 19. His tenure ended not with a bang, but a bitter fallout. He reportedly clashed with then-chairman Andrew Coleman over transfer market failures — a criticism that still echoes in the stands today.After leaving Swansea, Martin took over Southampton FC in the Premier League, only to be sacked after a poor start. His brief, tumultuous spell at Glasgow Rangers ended under fan pressure — a reminder that managerial tenures in modern football are increasingly fragile. "He’s got no interest in coming back," Haynes wrote. "The wounds are still too raw."
Transfer Activity Amid Chaos
While the managerial search drags on, Swansea’s transfer window activity in September 2025 quietly laid some groundwork. The club secured the loan of 20-year-old forward Ishé Samuels from Chelsea U21 on September 2, and brought in 22-year-old midfielder Benson Manuel on loan from Burnley FC the day before. They also completed the permanent signing of 37-year-old Swedish veteran Martin Olsson from Norwich City — a move that, while low-key, added much-needed defensive experience.But these signings feel like band-aids on a deeper wound. Without a clear manager, the tactical direction remains uncertain. Is this a team rebuilding for the future? Or fighting to avoid relegation? The answer depends on who walks through the door at the Swansea.com Stadium next.
What’s Next? The November 22 Deadline
The clock is ticking. Swansea’s next fixture — a tough away trip to Ashton Gate Stadium — is less than a week away. A loss here, under interim staff, could trigger a collapse in confidence. The board knows this. Sources close to the club say a decision on Matos is expected by November 20, with a formal announcement likely before the team departs for Bristol.Matos’ potential arrival would mark a shift toward European-style coaching — structured, possession-based, and defensively organized. That’s a departure from the more direct, physical style that defined Sheehan’s tenure. Whether the players adapt quickly enough remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: Swansea can’t afford another week of limbo.
Background: The Sheehan Fallout
Alan Sheehan’s dismissal came after a string of poor results, including a 4-1 home defeat to Cardiff City — a local derby that left fans stunned. He’d been appointed in June 2025 after a short caretaker spell, but his inability to stabilize the midfield or improve defensive discipline became impossible to ignore. The club’s goal difference plummeted to -12 by mid-November, placing them just above the relegation zone.Sheehan’s exit was described internally as "a necessary reset," but the timing — just before an international break — suggests a rushed decision. No official statement was issued. No farewell press conference. Just a quiet departure. That silence has only deepened the uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vitor Matos considered a good fit for Swansea City?
Matos brings experience as Sérgio Conceição’s assistant at FC Porto, giving him exposure to high-intensity, tactically disciplined football. His work at Maritimo showed he can manage a mid-table squad with structure and discipline — qualities Swansea lacks after Alan Sheehan’s tenure. His style aligns with the club’s desire to move away from reactive football toward controlled, possession-based play.
What’s the financial impact of hiring Vitor Matos?
Swansea City would need to pay approximately £250,000 in compensation to Hammarby IF to release Matos. While significant, this is a manageable sum for the club’s budget, especially compared to the cost of relegation. The fee is a one-time payment, unlike the ongoing salary obligations of a Premier League-level appointment.
Why didn’t Swansea City sign Kim Hellberg?
Hellberg, then manager of Hammarby IF, was Swansea’s top target, with talks held in London on November 14–15. But Middlesbrough entered advanced negotiations and outmaneuvered Swansea, making it increasingly likely Hellberg will take over at Riverside Stadium. This forced Swansea to pivot quickly to Matos as their backup plan.
Is Russell Martin really out of the picture?
Yes. Despite bookmakers listing him as favorite, FansNetwork.co.uk confirmed on November 17 that Martin has "no intention" of returning. His departure from Swansea in 2023 was acrimonious, tied to clashes with then-chairman Andrew Coleman over transfer policy. His subsequent sackings at Southampton and Rangers have only reinforced his distance from the club.
How does this managerial vacuum affect Swansea’s transfer strategy?
Without a manager, recruitment is fragmented. September signings like Ishé Samuels and Martin Olsson were likely approved by the sporting director, but long-term planning is stalled. Players are unsure of their roles, and potential targets may be hesitant to join a club without a clear vision. The club risks losing momentum in the January window if a manager isn’t confirmed soon.
What happens if Swansea doesn’t appoint a manager before November 22?
The team will likely be led by assistant coaches or a caretaker staff, but the risk of a poor result against Bristol City is high. A loss could trigger fan unrest, media backlash, and further player morale issues. More critically, it could delay future signings and damage the club’s reputation in the transfer market, making it harder to attract top-tier candidates later.