Vitor Matos | Our connection can be key

Head coach Vitor Matos believes the growing connection between Swansea City’s players and supporters has been a key factor behind their record-breaking start to the season, and can be against West Ham United.

The Swans have collected 23 points from their opening 10 league games, making it their best start to a league campaign in 102 years, and are leading the way in the early Championship table.

Ronald’s late winner against Millwall in midweek secured a fourth consecutive victory for Swansea for the first time since April 2025, while also earning them their fifth clean sheet of the season.

While Matos has been pleased with the quality and performances his side have produced on the pitch, he believes the bond between the squad and the Jack Army has been integral to their start, helping new arrivals settle in and giving the players an extra lift during games.

“I always said that everyone should enjoy the moment and should enjoy the journey. Of course, when you are winning, it’s much easier for everyone,” he said. 

“I think the most important is that the togetherness between the players and the fans. That is something that now is growing and is really there.

“The most important thing is that the fans fall in love with the players, and the players fall in love with the fans. When that bond happens, it’s a really powerful tool.

“Hopefully that can keep growing as well and keep getting stronger because that bond is part of everything, and for me is one of the biggest reasons we are performing as well as we are performing.”

The Swans return to action for their third game in the space of eight days this afternoon, with a stern test awaiting against West Ham United, who are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side arrive in SA1 sitting third in the table, having collected 19 points from their opening 10 games. They have recorded five wins and four draws, with just one defeat so far this season.

And Matos is anticipating an entertaining contest, but insists his side will remain focused on their own strengths and approach.

“It’s a good game, of course. West Ham have a lot of quality individually, collectively,” he added.

“We know which kind of opponent we’re going to face, but we respect them a lot. And in the same way, we believe in ourselves and in our way of playing.

“I think that’s what we want to have, a good game to compete, a good game to play. That’s why you play football. That’s why we’re here, and I think it will be a really good game.

“For us, the most important thing is what we can do every day. That’s what the players have been doing, and what they are focused on is really to try to improve, the challenge of making steps in terms of developing, trying to become better, trying to keep consistency while facing different opponents, and during different moments of the season.

“What I’ve seen a lot from my squad is that we can compete against any opponent. That’s what I’ve seen, and that’s what we want.

“Ten games is 10 games. There’s so much more to come and there’s still a lot that can change and make the table drift for us, that's why we have to stay focused."