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

Swansea boss Vitor Matos spent five years as an elite development coach at Liverpool, but it would be unfair to paint him with a Jurgen Klopp-shaped brush entirely. Matos learnt from Jurgen Klopp – but also from his time coaching in Portugal and China When Vitor Matos took charge of Swansea in November 2025, concerns around a potential relegation were on people's lips. Yet almost one year on, the Swans sit top of the Championship 10 games into the season. In retrospect, the hire appears to have been a masterstroke considering the fact that Matos had only managed 12 senior games before moving to Swansea – those coming in the Portuguese second division.

Behind those 12 games, however, lives a coaching journey spanning 23 years across many continents and a variety of roles. Prior to his spell in charge of Maritimo, the 38-year-old spent five years working under Jurgen Klopp as an elite development coach at Liverpool, before joining Red Bull Salzburg as Pep Lijnders' number two. I called the Portuguese manager to explore his influences, principles and the ever-changing tactical landscape. Building a squad on a foundation of counter-pressing feels apt for Matos when you consider the time he spent working under Klopp. "Liverpool influenced me a lot in terms of counter-pressing, pressing, intensity, and what makes you grow