Vitor Matos | I'm disappointed but there were positives for us

Head coach Vitor Matos insists there were plenty of positives for Swansea City to take despite their Carabao Cup defeat to Birmingham City.

The Swans were beaten 1-0 by the Blues in SA1, with August Priske scoring the only goal of the game when he connected with Carlos Vicente's low cross just before half-time.

Marko Stamenic, Jay Fulton and Joseph Opoku were among the players who all went close for the hosts in the contest but it wasn't enough to advance.

"I’m disappointed with the result," said Matos.

"However, there were some good things that we wanted to see, because this was the first game of the season against a good team as well. I think it was quite an even game.

"I feel we had more opportunities or more clean chances that we could score. Scoring would have given us the confidence and would have allowed us to settle in the game, but that didn’t happen. 

"First half, I think we were much the better side. Second half, however, was a little bit of disappointment on the pitch and it took us a little bit of time to push them back.

"We knew it would be a good game, quite an even game, and would be decided on a moment like a set-piece. It's something that we need to understand that is quite decisive in this league, so we know for the future. 

"Overall, there were a few good things and some things we need to be better at, especially against teams that base the game on set-pieces, long balls and second balls. I think that's quite important for us to learn this maturity. That's what we're trying to build."

Filip Lissah made his first competitive start for the club in the defeat, having featured heavily during pre-season following his return from an excellent loan spell at Falkirk.

And Matos was pleased with the defender's performance on his full debut for the club.

"I think he performed well and was quite aggressive in his defending," added Matos. 

"I think that’s quite important when you need to avoid crosses and have to defend the box well.

"Normally, there is anxiety when making your debut, which is quite normal. But we saw really good things from him. How calm he is, how composed he is with the ball and what he allows us in terms of inside and outside passes.

"Of course, it's not the result he would have wanted, but I think it was a good debut for him. And then, with Josh Key as well on the bench, he can bring his energy and his offensive qualities. He was really good, coming from the bench and impacting the game.

"I was really happy with them both, and particularly happy for Fil."

Next up for the Swans is a trip to Stoke City as they begin their 2026-27 Championship campaign next Saturday afternoon. 

Matos believes his side must use the lessons from the Birmingham defeat to help them prepare for the start of the league campaign.

"First, we need to analyse this game and understand what we can do better,” he continued. 

“Stoke will be a completely different team, but at the same time, a team who can compete for good positions in the table, like Birmingham.

"I think that's what we can get from this game. We start the Championship, let's say, earlier than some teams, and we need to have that as an advantage."

Matos also confirmed defender Cameron Burgess will undergo further assessment after being forced off late in the game, with the extent of the defender's injury yet to be determined.