CARLOS SURE OF A HAPPY RETURN
GLENN LOOVENS says Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal will receive a warm reception on his return to Hillsborough today — at least from his former players.
The Portuguese coach was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday on Christmas Eve hours after fans called for his head during a home defeat by Middlesbrough.
However, club captain Loovens says Carvalhal should be remembered for transforming a midtable team into one that embarked on consecutive playoff campaigns.
‘We had a lot of injuries, we didn’t contribute as well, the results were not there and unfortunately for him it was time for him to move on,’ Loovens said.
‘But when he came in we had two great seasons with him with near-miss promotions. I think he gave the club a little bit of belief back. OK, this year didn’t work out the way it was supposed to but that’s football at times.
‘No one will say a bad word about him here because he did a good job and got along with all of us. He got the respect from everybody and I wish him all the best because he did a great job. It’ll be nice to catch up with him.’
For Loovens, the effect Carvalhal has had on Swansea has not been a surprise. They have won six and lost only one of the 11 matches since his appointment and his colourful analogies — such as shopping for sardines in the transfer market when he would prefer lobster or ‘putting all the meat in the barbecue’ as a reference to making substitutions — have proved a hit in the Premier League.
‘He had one or two with us. We heard about the fish and I remember the bank notes! He’s a nice character to have around. Most of all I’m pleased for him,’ added the Dutch defender.