SWANS: ‘They were both brilliant’ — Matos hails midfield pair in Stoke win

Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos praised a “mature performance” after his side came from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 in their Championship opener at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

Eric Bocat put the hosts ahead inside ten minutes before Joseph Opoku levelled with a debut league goal and substitute Adam Idah won it with his first touch.

“I’m pleased with the performance. I think we had a good game,” Matos said.

“We started the game well. Aggressive, with the right mentality. Controlling as well with the ball and having the right positions to attack.

“We suffered on the first time Stoke shot on goal. That created a little bit of instability. But we kept growing into the game and kept grabbing the game back to us.

“The second half, from that moment, was about finding ways to stay in the game. Staying stable, organised. Being emotionally stable as well.

“I’m really pleased. I think it was a really good, mature performance, with good quality in terms of game.”

It was a first opening day win in six years for the Swans, at a ground where they had won only once in their previous 15 visits.

“I think you need to have a little bit of luck away from home. It’s important to understand that moment and know how to stay stable, how to organise, and bring the game back to where we are strong. That was really important today,” Matos said.

“We want to compete against every team. I think that’s what we did.”

The head coach made a deliberate change in midfield for the opener, bringing in Jay Fulton alongside Marko Stamenic.

“We thought that could be an important change in terms of line-up, to give a little bit of stability, a little bit more security in the building phases. I think they were both brilliant,” he said.

“Jay was involved in both goals. It shows how much he gives to the team. It shows how much he understands the game. It shows how much he can offer us in both ways, often on the ball. So I’m really happy with both.”

Idah’s winner came seconds after replacing Zan Vipotnik on 65 minutes, one of three changes made at the same time.

“It’s about mentality. I think that’s the right mindset that we need to have inside the team. Every player can impact the game, even if he’s five minutes or 30,” Matos said.

Swansea are without Cameron Burgess for the season after his ruptured Achilles, with Stephen Welsh having come in alongside Ben Cabango at Stoke, and new signing Ross Stewart is still building his fitness.

Attention now turns to the first home game of the season.

“Now it’s about preparing for the game against Sheffield United,” Matos said. The Blades visit the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday.