A former member of Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff is reportedly close to returning to English football, with “advanced talks” currently underway.
A former member of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool staff is reportedly being lined up for a return to English football, emerging as a strong contender for a current managerial opening.
Vitor Matos arrived at Anfield just over six years ago as an elite development coach, tasked with helping academy talents transition into the senior squad while also contributing to first-team training organisation.
He departed Merseyside at the end of the 2023/24 season along with Klopp and much of his backroom team, later becoming Pep Lijnders’ assistant at Red Bull Salzburg before Lijnders was dismissed last December.
In June, the 37-year-old stepped into senior management for the first time with Maritimo in Portugal, but new reports suggest he could be on the move again—his third change in 18 months.
Matos in ‘advanced talks’ to take over at Swansea
According to Football Insider, Matos is now in ‘advanced talks’ with Swansea City to fill their managerial vacancy after the Championship club dismissed Alan Sheehan last week.
He’s believed to be keen on returning to English football, and Swansea are hopeful of completing his appointment before their clash with Bristol City on Saturday.
The Welsh club initially pursued Hammarby boss Kim Hellberg for the job, but he’s instead expected to take over at high-flying Middlesbrough (The Athletic).
Klopp long admired Matos’ coaching quality
Matos has made a solid start as a first-team manager, winning six of his first 12 games with Maritimo and guiding them to third in Portugal’s second tier.
Although still early in his managerial journey, he’s already impressed with his attacking style, tactical clarity and confident media presence (The Athletic).
Klopp previously labelled him an “outstanding coach” when bringing him to Liverpool in 2019 at just 31 years old, and Matos was also praised for helping new signings settle in by translating instructions for players not yet fluent in English.
If Swansea do appoint him, it looks a shrewd move, though immediate results will be vital after their slide to 18th in the Championship cost Sheehan his job.
Still, with only a third of the season played and an eight-point gap to the play-off spots, Swansea have time to turn things around—and should Matos return to English football soon, he’ll be aiming to make a swift impact in south Wales.
