Swansea confirm Francesco Guidolin as new head coach

Swansea have confirmed Francesco Guidolin as their new head coach.

The former Udinese boss is set to get his first glimpse of the Welsh side when he watches them play Watford on Monday and will work alongside Alan Curtis, who was only confirmed in the role 10 days ago.

Guidolin - who will sign an initial short-term contract - will watch from the stands before taking charge for the first time in next Sunday's top-flight trip toEverton.

Club chiefs decided to act after just one win in six games under Curtis saw the club slide back into the relegation zone on Saturday.

Chairman Huw Jenkins told the club's website: “We are very pleased with the appointment. His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club.

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CONFIRMED: Swansea City is pleased to confirm Francesco Guidolin as the club’s Head Coach. http://po.st/u5vLIj 

5:15 PM - 18 Jan 2016

 
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“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.“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.

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Swansea City AFC 

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CONFIRMED: Swansea City is pleased to confirm Francesco Guidolin as the club’s Head Coach. http://po.st/u5vLIj  pic.twitter.com/nsc1GxtxMD

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IN PROFILE: Everything you need to know about our new Head Coach, Francesco Guidolin - http://po.st/9KMhZE  pic.twitter.com/iKAy8d4duO

5:28 PM - 18 Jan 2016

 
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“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."

Swansea is the 14th different club in Guidolin's managerial career, which peaked during a recent spell at Udinese, whom he twice led into the Champions League.

He started out in charge of minor club Giorgione, and has also had spells atAtalanta, Bologna, Genoa and Palermo. Guidolin's only experience of managing outside Italy came in 2005, when he had a short spell in charge ofMonaco.