Swansea head coach Vitor Matos expressed satisfaction with his team's unbeaten opening to the Championship season while maintaining that refinements remain possible. Following a 3-0 victory at Derby County, secured through goals from Joseph Opoku, Eom Ji-sung and Ronald, the Welsh club accumulated seven points from their opening three fixtures—their strongest start since the 2020-21 campaign.
The triumph at Pride Park represented a significant statement of intent, particularly given Swansea's struggles on the road during the previous season, when they won only seven of 23 away Championship matches. This campaign has seen a marked reversal, with the club collecting six points from six in their opening away fixtures.
Matos, now in his second year leading Swansea, attributed the improved away form to a shift in mentality rather than circumstantial factors.
"There is still a lot to play this season, but we are really pleased that we did a good job for our fans who were here,"he stated.
"I think we started the game really well. We scored early, and it gave us the tranquillity to stay in the game and be competitive."
The manager highlighted how his side managed periods when Derby applied pressure, demonstrating defensive discipline.
"Then we had moments where Derby pushed us back, and we needed to stay compact and concentrated in the box. We coped with that, scored the second, and that gave us the comfort to control the game how we like to do it."
Building squad cohesion
Matos emphasised that the squad is developing an understanding on the pitch, with new arrivals integrating smoothly into the team's structure.
"The team is growing, we have new players fitting in, and we have a group of players that is starting to enjoy playing together."According to recent reports, striker Ross Stewart was available for selection against Sheffield United, providing additional attacking depth to the squad's options.
The Portuguese manager has been working to strengthen the squad further, with reported interest in midfield reinforcements as he seeks to add depth to key areas. Additionally, defender Joel Ward departed after his short-term contract concluded, prompting continued recruitment activity.
What role do the supporters play?
Matos demonstrated his commitment to fostering a strong connection with the travelling support at Derby, marking the victory with celebratory gestures toward the Swansea fans. He stressed that this relationship will prove vital during challenging periods ahead.
"I think it's really important, not the celebration but the connection between the fans, the players, the manager and the club. It's important to keep growing that because there will be moments when we will not be in a good moment."
The manager acknowledged that while the early campaign has delivered encouraging results, the squad cannot afford complacency.
"So far I've been really pleased with the performance, but we still need to improve on small things. Credit to everyone at this early stage to be able to put together these types of performances."
Context and recent developments
Matos' position at Swansea has been reinforced by his contract extension until 2030, agreed during the summer, signalling the club's long-term backing for his vision. The manager has previously overseen improvements in Swansea's home record, accumulating 30 points from 15 league matches at the Liberty Stadium during 2025-26. Swansea were also pursuing a left-back on loan to further strengthen the squad as the season progressed.
Regarding competitive approach across all tournaments, Matos indicated that Swansea would treat their Carabao Cup fixture against Birmingham City with the same intensity as league matches, refusing to differentiate between competitions in terms of preparation and commitment.
What comes next for Swansea?
Swansea face a demanding sequence of fixtures following their Derby success. The club's next Championship assignment takes them to Sheffield United on 22 August 2026, with a return trip to Derby scheduled for 29 August 2026. Before those league encounters, Swansea will host Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup on 8 August 2026, marking their first competitive engagement of the season.
Matos remains focused on maintaining momentum while continuing to refine his team's performance across all aspects of play.
"It was one game, and we have a difficult run of games now coming. It was a really nice performance; now we have to build on that for the next one."
