You don’t have to go too far back in time – a mere matter of weeks – to see Swansea City as very strong contenders for the drop.
The Swans found themselves in the bottom three with seemingly no way out. Results did not go their way and relegation was a very real possibility at the Liberty Stadium. As a result, something drastic had to be done. Consequently, Paul Clement was sacked and Carlos Carvalhal was recruited to try and salvage the sinking ship that was Swansea City FC.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith the majority of his managerial career spent in Portugal, Carvalhal spent the last two years in charge of Sheffield Wednesday. A very respectable stint at that. In his time at the club, Carvalhal lead the Owls to the play offs twice. However, they failed to obtain promotion on both occasions and following a disappointing start to 17/18, Carvalhal left Hillsborough.
Carvalhal’s managerial career has seen him at numerous clubs, rarely spending more than a year before moving on. Swans fans must have questioned this appointment due to the lack of continuity they have endured with managerial appointments in recent years. With the club in disarray, Swans fans will have been hoping for a more long-term appointment and solidarity being restored at the Liberty Stadium.
However, in the short term at the very least, Carlos Carvalhal has been a dream managerial choice for Swansea. He has managed to not only lift them off of rock bottom of the Premier League but also to elevate them out of the dreaded relegation zone. A fantasy situation among Swansea fans just a month ago. Following his arrival at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea have managed to despatch Watford, Liverpool, Arsenal and Burnley, all very impressive feats for most teams in the league, let alone struggling Swansea.
Whilst they are still only a point off the relegation zone, they are in a far better position than before Carlos arrived. It is also very tightly contested at the bottom end of the league so stringing a few results together is vital, something Carlos Carvalhal has provided since his arrival.
Swansea are currently on cloud nine but can Carvalhal see out the rest of the season with the club remaining in the Premier League?
Written by Sam Brazier.
