Vitor Matos said he was feeling "emotional" as he celebrated Swansea City's triumph at Stoke City by sprinting across the pitch to savour the moment with travelling fans.
Swansea began the new Championship season by claiming only a second win in their past 16 visits to Stoke – and they were forced to do it the hard way after falling behind early on.
Joseph Opoku capped his impressive league debut with a rapid equaliser before Adam Idah scored with his first touch after coming off the bench in the second half to prompt Matos' flamboyant celebrations at full-time.
"We are really pleased with the fans how they travelled here and supported the team," the Swansea head coach said.
"That was unbelievable to see - they are a big part of what we are trying to do.
"You get emotional in that moment. We wanted to give them something to cheer and I think we did that today."
Idah was sent on alongside Eom Jisung and Melker Widell as Matos made a triple change in an attempt to halt was probably Stoke's best spell of the game around the hour mark.
Within seconds, Idah met Josh Tymon's low cross with the game's pivotal touch.
Adam Idah celebrates after scoring Swansea's winner at Stoke [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Matos insisted his substitutes deserved the credit for changing the tide of the contest, saying: "I think it's more about the players. They came into the game with the right mindset and mentality.
"I am proud of them because of that - it's them understanding it will be a long season, we need everyone.
"If they can have an impact, if it's for five minutes it's five minutes, or if it's for 30 it's 30, that is nice to see."
A rare win at Stoke marks a fine way for Swansea to start the 2026-27 Championship campaign, with attention now turning to next weekend's home fixture against Sheffield United.
"It's always good to win… other teams won as well," Matos said.
"Now it's about preparing for the game against Sheffield United."
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