Passionate Matos compares Cullen to Bastoni

Vitor Matos has urged Swansea City fans to stand by Liam Cullen after the forward came under criticism, drawing a comparison with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

BBC Sport reported on Monday that Matos made the comments after Swansea’s draw with Middlesbrough. A Yahoo Sports/PA republish said Matos told supporters to “look after” Cullen and to “take care of our own,” framing Bastoni as an example of a player who was backed through difficult moments.

The remarks fit a wider pattern from the Swansea boss. Club coverage earlier this year showed Matos praising Cullen’s goals, mentality and importance to the team, including after a late clinching goal in March.

The latest comments are less about tactics than trust. Matos’ message was that players who have given value to the club should not be quickly written off when form or scrutiny turns against them.

For Swansea, the immediate issue is not a transfer or injury update but the manager’s public attempt to protect one of his forwards and reset the tone around him.