Stunning start Carlos.. but that’s all it is

CARLOS CARVALHAL has done a great job at Swansea so far. I’m not dismissing that.

Other than the likes of Sam Allardyce, Tony Pulis and Roy Hodgson – tried and trusted and with proven plans – there is a question I ask about all new managers. And that is: Is any of their success down to just going in and patting people on the back for a month before results inevitably drop off, or is this good coaching?

I have to be honest and say I can’t tell at the minute.

Swansea have lifted their form but I haven’t seen a massive increase in anything other than players reacting to Carvalhal (right) saying, ‘Everyone has an opportunity to play here, let’s dig ourselves out of it’.

Whether in the Premier League or in the Championship, the way to judge a team is five or six months after the new man has taken charge. That will be when we will see the real Carvalhal.

Because players will then say, ‘We’ve all had the pats on the back and let’s see what you’re giving us week in week out in terms of instructions and direction.”