Swansea City

Swansea City confirm appointment of Francesco Guidolin as head coach

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 18 January 2016

Swansea City confirm the appointment of new head coach Francesco Guidolin, whose position will be reviewed at the end of the season.

Swansea City have confirmed the appointment of new head coach Francesco Guidolin, who will work alongside interim manager Alan Curtis, until the end of the season.

Reports emerged over the weekend claiming that the Italian, who previously coached Udinese, AS Monaco and Palermo, was on the verge of joining the Swans with the aim of saving their season.

Curtis was handed his interim role 10 days ago following Garry Monk's dismissal, and the 61-year-old will hold that position until the end of the campaign, which currently sees the team 18th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.

Guidolin and Curtis will work alongside one another on the touchline, but the 60-year-old Italian will have final say on team selection.

"We are very pleased with the appointment," Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the club's official website. "His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club.

"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."

The club have confirmed that there is an option to extend Guidolin's contract at the end of the season.