Former Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has officially been appointed as Swansea City Coach.
Rumours began to emerge yesterday that the 60-year-old would be taking over the Welsh club, working alongside current manager Alan Curtis.
The former Zebrette Coach has previous experience in the English Premier League with Watford, and has taken over until the end of the season, with an option to extend.
Former Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has officially been appointed as Swansea City Coach.
Rumours began to emerge yesterday that the 60-year-old would be taking over the Welsh club, working alongside current manager Alan Curtis.
The former Zebrette Coach has previous experience in the English Premier League with Watford, and has taken over until the end of the season, with an option to extend.
“Swansea City is pleased to confirm the appointment of Francesco Guidolin as the club’s Head Coach,” a statement on the Swans’ official website read.
“The experienced Italian, 60, arrived at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon and will have a watching brief at tonight’s Barclays Premier League clash with Watford.
“Highly-rated, he will work alongside interim manager Alan Curtis until the end of the season, although Guidolin will have the final say on team selection.
“Guidolin has a wealth of experience and success having led Udinese to third place in Serie A – recording their highest top-flight finish and points tally – and sealing their first Champions League campaign.
“He also has three promotions on his CV with Parma, Palermo and Vicenza where he made his name after lifting the Italian Cup and leading them to the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final, where they lost to Chelsea.”
The club’s chairman Huw Jenkins also have his thoughts on the appointment.
“We are very pleased with the appointment.
“Although we recently appointed Alan Curtis as manager until the end of the campaign, he was aware and comfortable with the fact that we were still looking to bring someone in to assist if we found the right person.
“We believe we have found that person in Francesco. He has an excellent record, especially with Udinese over the last few years. He created an Udinese side from a relatively small budget – compared to the rest of the league – that competed with the big teams in Serie A.
“He instilled a belief and motivation to compete and beat the best Italy had to offer. It is similar to what this football club is trying to do in the Premier League.
“He also has a wealth of knowledge of players throughout Europe which will be a big boost on our recruitment side; something we have been reviewing in a lot more depth over the last few months.
“When the need arose to look for a new manager or head coach, those characteristics stood out from a number of other potential candidates, together with the enthusiasm he has shown to come in and help us turn our season around and retain our Premier League status.”
image via swanseacity.net