Vitor Matos | We want to start building something together

Head coach Vitor Matos says the priority for he and his Swansea City squad is to start building a new identity that everyone connected to the club can unite behind.

The new Swans boss is preparing for the first away assignment since taking charge, with a trip to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion lying in wait on Saturday.

The Swans suffered a 2-1 defeat to Derby County in midweek where, despite limited time on the training ground, there were signs of a switch in emphasis – particularly during the opening half.

With games coming thick and fast, Matos acknowledges that is a task Swansea will need to seek to accomplish quickly, but he believes the priorities are clearer for everybody with the game against Derby as a reference point.

“The first job is to know the players as best as possible in a short time, and to know the priorities, I think those were really clear after the last game, and start building something together,” he said.

“I think that's what we need on the moment and of course if we want to compete in this league there are things you need to be on top of.

“I'm really happy with the squad, that's the truth, but like I said in the beginning it is about more than having solutions in terms of players, we need to build a team and we need to be stronger collectively. 

“That's the most important thing, that should be the aim of everyone. It's about relationships. 

“It is more about how the winger and the midfielder and the full-back can create more relationships, how they can help each other reach their potential on the pitch.

“It’s about how can we make better use of the striker, how we can use the wingers, how we find the right players in the right moments.

“I think that's what we need to start building, that's what we need to create and that's what we need to put on the pitch, along with counter-pressing and mentality.”