Rob Davies
Carlos Carvalhal takes his Braga team to Rangers tomorrow night in the Europa League and still holds a regret from his time at Swansea – that he could not keep them in the Premier League.
Carvalhal arrived in a chaotic final season in the top flight and brought a resurgence in form that looked to have ensured survival until an ill fated five game run that coincided with relegation on the final day – albeit being pretty much sealed in the decider at home to Southampton a few days before.
It’s easy to forget that Swansea were rooted to the bottom of the table a number of points adrift when the former Sheffield Wednesday boss arrived, but what coincided with such a catastrophic downturn in form to see the club relegated will never be known.
The Swans beat both Liverpool and Arsenal at home during the Portuguese’s time at the club but as soon as the final day had passed, he had his suitcase packed for pastures new and Graham Potter arrived.
He told BBC Scotland prior to tomorrow night’s game against Rangers: “We wished to stay at Swansea and in the Premier League, but life took it a different way.
“We were sure if we had more time we would have saved the team. We achieved a lot of points and gave our all for the team.
“I hope Swansea is back in their correct place in the Premier League soon.”
Carvalhal was probably best remembered for his witty one liners (a Ferrari in London traffic – vs Liverpool) but will always be renowned for overseeing Swansea’s relegation.
Good luck Carlos just not against the Gers
Hmmmm, bottled it after we’d done the hard work. 😬
Agreed.
The wonderful Guidoline also. Although 3 losses (Liverpool, Man City league and cup) the Swans played some of the best football since Laudrup and narrowly lost.