Luke Williams is confident Zan Vipotnik will “be able to show his talent” once the striker comes to terms with life as a Swansea City player.
Liam Cullen’s absence through illness meant Vipotnik made just his second Championship start in Swansea’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Sunday.
The Slovenia international has made eight appearances in all – with two further starts in the EFL Cup – since joining Swansea over the summer, but has managed only one goal for his new club to date.
Williams says the 22-year-old will thrive in Wales given time.
“I have got no doubts with Vipi (Vipotnik),” the Swansea head coach said.
“I am really happy with Vipi because he has real quality, he is really motivated and wants to do so well for us.
“I need to help him feel confident and to get into the team in a natural way, and not to try to force it or put unrealistic expectations on him.”
Vipotnik arrived at Swansea in the latter stages of pre-season after the collapse of former club Bordeaux.
He scored 10 goals in the French second tier last season but was allowed to leave due to Bordeaux’s financial troubles.
“He had a very disjointed end to last season and pre-season and it’s a big change to come here,” Williams added.
“Some of the touches [against Bristol City] when he brings people into play – he is very sure-footed and very bright.
“When you work with him every day, his finishing is exceptional… so I look forward to [seeing] that because we haven’t quite seen it.
“Then there’s a whole other side of the game that he has to cope with. The relentless pressing and recovering – the Championship is different for him and the way we want to play is different for him.
“He is going to get up to speed with that and then he’ll be able to show his talent.”
Vipotnik may be asked to lead the Swansea line once more at Sheffield United on Wednesday, though Williams is hopeful that Cullen, the club’s three-goal leading scorer, will be fit to feature at Bramall Lane.