Lambert Expects Sousa Sensation At Swansea

Paul Lambert says new Swansea and ex- QPR boss Paulo Sousa will be "single-minded" after succeeding Wigan`s new manager Roberto Martinez.

U`s boss Lambert played alongside Sousa as the pair won a surprise European Cup in 1997, in a Borussia Dortmund team that also included future signing Karl-Heinz Riedle.

"It will be tough to take over from a man who has done great," said Lambert, speaking on a pre-recorded interview for Welsh radio sport bulletin, Back Page.

Lambert gave his ex-teammate, whom he said he classed as a very good friend, a glowing reference, saying: "Paulo is very single-minded, has his own ideas of the game and will show it is not difficult for a top player to become a good manager."

Swansea`s new manager has a good playing pedigree, having won the European Cup twice and also reached the latter stages of international competitions as part of Portugal`s so-called Golden Generation of players, staring Rui Costa, Luis Figo and Sérgio Conceição.

Despite being under huge pressure at QPR, a BBC report of the interview says Sousa lost just six of his 26 games with the London club.

Paul Lambert, who also watched another friend Toney Mowbray become new Celtic boss last weekend, said it was right that young managers be given a chance in top-level roles.

"It`s all very well being a world-class footballer and playing at some unbelievable football clubs but how do you get experience as a manger? By being given an opportunity," said Lambert.

"And when Swansea gave Roberto Martinez the chance he did an absolutely brilliant job," he added.

Martinez, filling the position left by Steve Bruce who is now at Sunderland, played for Wigan between 1995 and 2001.BR>



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