Selles Analyses Swansea City And Affirms “Recruitment Process Has Not Been Good Enough” | OneFootball

Swansea City welcome Sheffield United to the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both teams aiming to register their first points of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

The Blades endured a tough opening weekend, falling to a 4-1 home defeat against a ruthless Bristol City. That was followed by a 2-1 loss at Birmingham City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, with manager Ruben Selles making ten changes to his starting XI.

Swansea also began their league season with disappointment, losing 1-0 away at Middlesbrough. However, Alan Sheehan’s side bounced back in midweek, fielding a strong line-up in the cup to secure a 3-1 victory over ten-man Crawley Town.

Selles confirmed there are no new injury concerns for Sheffield United ahead of the trip to South Wales. Midfielder Djibril Soumare, who played 60 minutes in the cup defeat, could be in line for his first Championship start.

Ruben Selles Speaks Ahead of Swansea City vs Sheffield United

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup first round match between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on August 13, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Selles noted the difficulties of the trip to Swansea: “It’s going to be a difficult game against a good opponent, especially since Alan [Sheehan] took over last season. They have been very aggressive and very clear in their identity. We just need to be sure we show competitiveness and a willingness to win the game.”

Selles pointed to Swansea’s intense pressing style under Sheehan, praising their ability to dominate territory and apply pressure high up the pitch.

“They were the team with the most success in their high pressure in the 13 games that Alan was there [last season]… Ultra competitive, never give up, and very difficult to play against.”

With United still looking for their first win, Selles acknowledged the need to adapt his approach to suit the squad’s current capabilities.

“One thing is the principles and values you have, that shouldn’t change, but you need to adjust when the situation isn’t ideal… I need to be a bit more brilliant to give my players clearer situations to perform instead of overcomplicating things.”

The Blades fans were given their first glimpse at Djibril Soumare in midweek after signing on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy from Braga. The 22-year-old had a decent showing in a red and white shirt before tiring and being subbed off after 60 minutes.

The Spaniard spoke positively about Soumare’s qualities and hinted at a start at the weekend. “As a holding six he can play alone or with a partner. He’s athletic, can cover the pitch, and we saw some of his abilities yesterday. Hopefully we see more in the coming games.”

With Anel Ahmedhodzic and Kieffer Moore departing without finding any replacements, Selles admitted the club’s recruitment has fallen short so far.

“Our process has not been good enough… We talked about three reinforcements at the start of the market, now it’s five. We’ve not been able to sign anyone else for different circumstances, and everyone has their part of the blame. There won’t be any signings before the weekend.”

He proceeded to stress the need for experienced additions to steady the young squad, particularly at the back: “We have lost a lot of experience at the [Championship] level and need to replace that. If there’s room for a young talent we’ll analyse it, but the priority is players who can make an immediate impact.”

While recruitment is a huge focus at Sheffield United over the next couple of weeks, the Blades still have a job to do on the football pitch. A win away at Swansea City, or even a point and a good performance, would at least inject some slight positivity into the football club.