PEP Clotet is thrilled to have been given a rare chance to take over a club which has momentum.

The new Oxford United manager gave an assured performance in his first interviews since signing a 12-month rolling contract last weekend.

After two days meeting players and staff, the 40-year-old has been impressed with what had been put in place under his predecessor.

The vacancy arose due to Michael Appleton being appointed as Leicester City’s assistant manager last month, rather than poor results leading to a sacking.

Although the timing of the departure means Clotet is playing catch-up, the Spaniard is delighted to be inheriting a side which finished eighth in Sky Bet League One last season.

He said: “Normally you go into a moment where the dynamic isn’t good.

“Now it’s the right moment, the club is stable and this is something you obviously prefer.

“There are a lot of challenges as well because you have to make sure as a manager you are the one who is adapting to the players and you are the one who is respecting them and what they and the staff have done.”

Clotet arrives with a wealth of coaching experience, with his most recent jobs coming as assistant manager to Garry Monk at both Leeds United and Swansea City.

And having gained a thorough education in English football, the chance to take on a No 1 job again was always the plan.

He said: “It’s a lovely moment because it felt right to develop myself a bit more and go back to manage a team after a lot of years working with Garry and developing a very good friendship with him.

“He taught me a lot about the values and culture of the English game.

“I’m from outside, but I feel a little bit like I’m from here and I respect it a lot.

“I bought into the culture 100 per cent and now I feel like I really want to do it.”