STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:53 pm
Swansea City Manager Steve Cooper:
STEVE COOPER:
No side has ever done league double...
It’s an amazing stat really. They're games to look forward to, they can be tight affairs. We’re in such a busy schedule at the moment we know how important the game is, but we’ve got to think about what we’re in control of and try to play as well as we can and fight for the result.
Cooper
Cardiff in fine form
It’s a good return. Especially in this schedule. But every game is tough. Bournemouth a couple of days ago was tough and completely different to Luton. With that in mind, you’ve just got to focus on yourselves. We’re very aware of their strengths and also where we think we can do well as well. That’s what we’ll be committing to.
Cooper
Not scored more than two in a game
There aren’t too many games where we haven’t scored either. Until last week, the overall goals in the league are a long way down. We’d like to score more goals, but I don’t think we’ll be the only team saying that. We want to be as creative as we can. If we manage to go 1-0 up, we're not about shutting up shop, we try and think, keep doing what we’re doing and score another one. But it’s hard. It’s a tough league.
Cooper
Clean sheet and defensive record
It’s pleasing to keep clean sheets. We do want to be scoring goals as well. That’s our first idea. But we respect both sides of the game equally, both have a big impact on winning games. We’ve got a lot of young centre-backs. That’s what it’s been like for large parts of the season. But it’s not just about the defenders and the goalkeeper, it’s about everybody. I’m not really interested in records and stats because they can become too much of your thought. This league tests you in every different way from each game to the next
Cooper
Form
I think we’re making good progress. There are so many games coming thick and fast. We’ve got another three games until we have a little spell between one game and another. There isn’t much time to think. There’s so many different factors. It’s completely different from what everyone’s done before. Our approach is to take it one game at a time and try to make decisions on team selection and game plans and things like that. Until we’ve got time to rest a little bit we’ll keep that giong.
Cooper
Team news
Ryan has not played. He’s picked up a bit of a hamstring staring. We’re giving him every chance to be available. Marc is a bit different, he picked up a bang on the head against Luton and we’re following the procedure of return to play and train. We just want to make sure before we think whether to include him.Morgan is making good progress.
Cooper
STEVE COOPER:
No side has ever done league double...
It’s an amazing stat really. They're games to look forward to, they can be tight affairs. We’re in such a busy schedule at the moment we know how important the game is, but we’ve got to think about what we’re in control of and try to play as well as we can and fight for the result.
Cooper
Cardiff in fine form
It’s a good return. Especially in this schedule. But every game is tough. Bournemouth a couple of days ago was tough and completely different to Luton. With that in mind, you’ve just got to focus on yourselves. We’re very aware of their strengths and also where we think we can do well as well. That’s what we’ll be committing to.
Cooper
Not scored more than two in a game
There aren’t too many games where we haven’t scored either. Until last week, the overall goals in the league are a long way down. We’d like to score more goals, but I don’t think we’ll be the only team saying that. We want to be as creative as we can. If we manage to go 1-0 up, we're not about shutting up shop, we try and think, keep doing what we’re doing and score another one. But it’s hard. It’s a tough league.
Cooper
Clean sheet and defensive record
It’s pleasing to keep clean sheets. We do want to be scoring goals as well. That’s our first idea. But we respect both sides of the game equally, both have a big impact on winning games. We’ve got a lot of young centre-backs. That’s what it’s been like for large parts of the season. But it’s not just about the defenders and the goalkeeper, it’s about everybody. I’m not really interested in records and stats because they can become too much of your thought. This league tests you in every different way from each game to the next
Cooper
Form
I think we’re making good progress. There are so many games coming thick and fast. We’ve got another three games until we have a little spell between one game and another. There isn’t much time to think. There’s so many different factors. It’s completely different from what everyone’s done before. Our approach is to take it one game at a time and try to make decisions on team selection and game plans and things like that. Until we’ve got time to rest a little bit we’ll keep that giong.
Cooper
Team news
Ryan has not played. He’s picked up a bit of a hamstring staring. We’re giving him every chance to be available. Marc is a bit different, he picked up a bang on the head against Luton and we’re following the procedure of return to play and train. We just want to make sure before we think whether to include him.Morgan is making good progress.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:53 pm
No fans - passion there with players?
For sure. It’s a big deal down here, this game. Without having supporters in the grounds has been a disappointment anyway. It’s days and games like this where maybe you’ll feel it even more. In Wales we seem to be a little bit behind everyone else, and unfortunately the infection rate is right up, so there is a bigger picture as well. It’s a tough time for everybody, especially the supporters.
Cooper
FA charge
Not sure. We did respond because that’s the process. We’ll wait to hear back.
Cooper
For sure. It’s a big deal down here, this game. Without having supporters in the grounds has been a disappointment anyway. It’s days and games like this where maybe you’ll feel it even more. In Wales we seem to be a little bit behind everyone else, and unfortunately the infection rate is right up, so there is a bigger picture as well. It’s a tough time for everybody, especially the supporters.
Cooper
FA charge
Not sure. We did respond because that’s the process. We’ll wait to hear back.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:56 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Birch joining EFL
A positive appointment. I do know Trevor well, we worked together just over a year. He’s a brilliant man and a top operator. Congratulations to him. He hadn't long left Swansea, but to move so quickly for such a principled man, it must be something he’s looking forward to. I’m sure he’ll do a good job.
It’s three leagues of clubs of different size and stature. To have an understanding of the football pyramid as he does, and remember, he’s an ex-player as well, I think it’s a really good appointment from the EFL. We wish him well. It’s a tough gig, but he’ll rise to the challenge. We were really sad to see him go, I know personally I was. We might see him now. He might turn up to a game or two!
Cooper
Birch joining EFL
A positive appointment. I do know Trevor well, we worked together just over a year. He’s a brilliant man and a top operator. Congratulations to him. He hadn't long left Swansea, but to move so quickly for such a principled man, it must be something he’s looking forward to. I’m sure he’ll do a good job.
It’s three leagues of clubs of different size and stature. To have an understanding of the football pyramid as he does, and remember, he’s an ex-player as well, I think it’s a really good appointment from the EFL. We wish him well. It’s a tough gig, but he’ll rise to the challenge. We were really sad to see him go, I know personally I was. We might see him now. He might turn up to a game or two!
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:57 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Not scored more than two in a game
There aren’t too many games where we haven’t scored either. Until last week, the overall goals in the league are a long way down. We’d like to score more goals, but I don’t think we’ll be the only team saying that. We want to be as creative as we can. If we manage to go 1-0 up, we're not about shutting up shop, we try and think, keep doing what we’re doing and score another one. But it’s hard. It’s a tough league.
Cooper
Not scored more than two in a game
There aren’t too many games where we haven’t scored either. Until last week, the overall goals in the league are a long way down. We’d like to score more goals, but I don’t think we’ll be the only team saying that. We want to be as creative as we can. If we manage to go 1-0 up, we're not about shutting up shop, we try and think, keep doing what we’re doing and score another one. But it’s hard. It’s a tough league.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:00 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Congested at the top
All aspects went to the wire (last season). It’s why so many people love the championship. I think this year is different again because of the schedule. It’s hard to compare it to anything else because we’ve not done it before. We’re just taking everything as it comes. You’re doing a lot of stuff for the first time. We’ve had a lot of games where teams have had an extra day of rest than us. But we’re doing our best to make it as easy as possible.
Cooper
Congested at the top
All aspects went to the wire (last season). It’s why so many people love the championship. I think this year is different again because of the schedule. It’s hard to compare it to anything else because we’ve not done it before. We’re just taking everything as it comes. You’re doing a lot of stuff for the first time. We’ve had a lot of games where teams have had an extra day of rest than us. But we’re doing our best to make it as easy as possible.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:00 pm
STEVE COOPER:
More on fans
Both atmospheres were electric last year. Let’s not shy away from it, it is different. It’s a game that means an awful lot to our supporters and it’s a game that we really want to win. I think everything that we’re doing at the moment, because we're in Wales, is for the supporters. I want them to see a team giving their best. Football is important to so many people and at the moment they’re not being given that.
Cooper
More on fans
Both atmospheres were electric last year. Let’s not shy away from it, it is different. It’s a game that means an awful lot to our supporters and it’s a game that we really want to win. I think everything that we’re doing at the moment, because we're in Wales, is for the supporters. I want them to see a team giving their best. Football is important to so many people and at the moment they’re not being given that.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:04 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Unfair not having fans in Wales?
This is the first thing since the lockdown that is now different. We’ve had return to train and play procedures which have been fair across the board. Subs. This is the first thing that is different, and it can have an influence on games.
Cooper
Unfair not having fans in Wales?
This is the first thing since the lockdown that is now different. We’ve had return to train and play procedures which have been fair across the board. Subs. This is the first thing that is different, and it can have an influence on games.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:05 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Bielsa named team early. Should coaches do that?
They do it in the rugby as well. It’s something that was discussed in my time at the FA. I think in the Championship schedule, I don't think you can name a team two days before, because you’re normally playing two days before as well. It’s a little bit unique from Leeds, I’m not sure it’ll catch on.
Cooper
Bielsa named team early. Should coaches do that?
They do it in the rugby as well. It’s something that was discussed in my time at the FA. I think in the Championship schedule, I don't think you can name a team two days before, because you’re normally playing two days before as well. It’s a little bit unique from Leeds, I’m not sure it’ll catch on.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:08 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Fans for home game in March?
You’d like to think so, with the vaccine coming out. From what I hear it’s gone well in terms of fans returning from a Covid point of view. This club will be more than set up in terms of welcoming supporters back. The sooner the better.
Cooper
Can it help some players not having fans?
Maybe, but I think these are the games players want to play in. If you asked every player, particularly for the home game, if they want supporters there or not, the answer would be of course.
We just have to get on with it and look forward to when they get back, particularly at the Liberty.
Cooper
Fans for home game in March?
You’d like to think so, with the vaccine coming out. From what I hear it’s gone well in terms of fans returning from a Covid point of view. This club will be more than set up in terms of welcoming supporters back. The sooner the better.
Cooper
Can it help some players not having fans?
Maybe, but I think these are the games players want to play in. If you asked every player, particularly for the home game, if they want supporters there or not, the answer would be of course.
We just have to get on with it and look forward to when they get back, particularly at the Liberty.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:10 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Set-pieces key?
I think it is in any game. Close to 50% of their goals have been set plays. They’ll be a threat on the weekend and one we’ll have to be ready for.
Cooper
Set-pieces key?
I think it is in any game. Close to 50% of their goals have been set plays. They’ll be a threat on the weekend and one we’ll have to be ready for.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:10 pm
The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:12 pm
TheHangedMan wrote:The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Jim,
Your good, genuine bloke, dont even compare yourself with him
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:12 pm
STEVE COOPER:
What will you say to players?
Good luck and enjoy. Remember who you’re playing for.
Cooper
How much did you learn from last season’s derbies?
It’s really different, in so many ways. Both games were before the lockdown. I think what I learnt was about committing to your style of play. We try to do that in every game, and it’s not easy. We’ll take the game as it comes, but our idea is always to play in a certain way.
Cooper
Friendly in the summer. Has that helped?
No. it was a good experience for both teams because there were so many restrictions around. We were only a week away from restarting the season. It was just about putting a kit on and playing football again. That was a completely different moment, having been at home for months.
Cooper
What will you say to players?
Good luck and enjoy. Remember who you’re playing for.
Cooper
How much did you learn from last season’s derbies?
It’s really different, in so many ways. Both games were before the lockdown. I think what I learnt was about committing to your style of play. We try to do that in every game, and it’s not easy. We’ll take the game as it comes, but our idea is always to play in a certain way.
Cooper
Friendly in the summer. Has that helped?
No. it was a good experience for both teams because there were so many restrictions around. We were only a week away from restarting the season. It was just about putting a kit on and playing football again. That was a completely different moment, having been at home for months.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:16 pm
STEVE COOPER:
Mood?
So many people have suffered in one way or another, so to think we can come to work, train and travel to somewhere else in the country, albeit in bubble restrictions, I think we’re really fortunate, and I’m forever telling the players that. There's no real hardship, and I think the players appreciate that. We are a lot better off than so many people.
Cooper
Mood?
So many people have suffered in one way or another, so to think we can come to work, train and travel to somewhere else in the country, albeit in bubble restrictions, I think we’re really fortunate, and I’m forever telling the players that. There's no real hardship, and I think the players appreciate that. We are a lot better off than so many people.
Cooper
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Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:17 pm
Forever Blue wrote:TheHangedMan wrote:The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Jim,
Your good, genuine bloke, dont even compare yourself with him
Well I'm not going to compare myself with you Annis am I!!! Curly locked, millionaire, living in a sunset paradise and seeing more of Mallo than I do at the moment. No brainer!!!!
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:19 pm
TheHangedMan wrote:Forever Blue wrote:TheHangedMan wrote:The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Jim,
Your good, genuine bloke, dont even compare yourself with him
Well I'm not going to compare myself with you Annis am I!!! Curly locked, millionaire, living in a sunset paradise and seeing more of Mallo than I do at the moment. No brainer!!!!
Not seen Mallo, since he last came over here in July
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:25 pm
TheHangedMan wrote:The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 3:15 pm
TheHangedMan wrote:The only thing I like about Steve Cooper is that he makes me look handsome.....FACT.
Considering where he hails from I'd say that's quite an achievement.
Re: STEVE COOPER:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 6:23 pm
Like I've said. Unnecessarily ugly