Paulo Sousa – Swansea City Manager

Very recently, Swansea City announced its acquisition of a new manager following Roberto Martinez’ desertion of the Jacks in favor of Premier League Outfit, Wigan Athletic.

Portuguese Paulo Sousa, former manager of Queens Park Rangers, was chosen to take over the post, and it is interesting to note the majority of the Club’s followers and fans favored the development.

So what does Paulo Sousa have to offer the Swans in the coming seasons? Let’s take a closer look at the biography of  Swansea City’s new manager.

Paulo Sousa was born, Paulo Manuel Carvalho Sousa, he’s a 39 year old former Portuguese football defensive midfielder and former coach of Queens Park Rangers. As a footballer he was widely acclaimed and very well respected and during his playing days he led some major European teams to memorable victories, including Champions League honors.

Sousa made his debut in professional football with Benfica, he dominated the midfield with his precise passing and relentless running.

In 1993, he moved from Benfica to join Sporting Lisbon amd after an uneventful season there, moved to Juventus, who went on to win the EUFA Championship. He subsequently helped win the 1995 Italian League Cup, the Italian Super Cup, and came runner-up in the in the 1995 UEFA Cup.

This stint was repeated when he played for Germany’s BV Borussia Dortmund, the final being against his previous team Juventus. Though his Durtmund seasons were capped with titles, it was also one plagued with injuries which continued throughout the rest of his playing career. At 32, he retired from playing and encouraged by his followers and peers, later ventured into coaching.

Sousa’s coaching career began with the Purtuguese National team, having joined as one of the coaching staff. he was soon appointed assistant to first-team coach Carlos Queiroz.

His career in English soccer started as head coach to the Championship team, Queens Park Rangers , It was a short-lived leadership however, as 5 months later, he was dismissed. Reportedly, he had disclosed some sensitive information, particularly, about Dexter Blackstock’s loan move to Nottingham Forest having been agreed without him being informed.

Very recently, a silver lining appeared for Sousa’s due to Swansea City’s manager [http://www.supportswanseacity.com/] Roberto Martinez  vacaing his post to move to Premier League Team, Wigan Athletic.  Sousa was interviewd by the Chairman of the club and subsequently offered the job. On June 23, 2009, he officially accepted the role and signed a 3 year contract with the Swans.

For followers and fans of the Swans, Sousa, was a great appointment and the next 3 seasons will be very interesting as most people are expecting Swansea City to win promotion to the Premier League – Fingers crossed!