‘It’s Positive In The Camp’ – Cooper’s Pre-Villa Thoughts
The league campaign resumes on home soil this Saturday as Unai Emery’s men make the short trip across the Midlands to King Power Stadium for a 3pm BST kick-off. Prior to kick-off on Filbert Way, City’s Manager sat down to discuss his thoughts on the summer transfer window, this weekend’s opposition and how he plans to secure a first three league points…
‘Be ruthless’
Following on from a draw and a defeat in City’s opening two fixtures, the 44-year-old does not believe that Leicester are far away from an elusive maiden Premier League victory, calling for a ruthless streak and cutting edge to be added to their game at both ends of the pitch, in a division where there are no handouts.
“You’ve got to make it happen in games,” Cooper told the assembled media in his pre-match press conference on Thursday. “When we’ve reflected on both games, we could have had better results but there’s also lessons to be learned from what it takes too.
“The first two games have given us enough moments of belief that we can go and play well and win games at this level. But it’s also reminded us that when you don’t quite get it right, you can be under the cosh in games and things can go against you.
“That’s what we’re doing - we’ll look at the games closely, but we’re really positive in the camp and we’re enthused about what we can do this season. It’s a positive culture and that has to be the approach going into every game.
“You have to take it game by game but you have to go in there with a really positive mindset about what can be achieved, and no fear of the opposite. We’ll go into every game believing that we can and will win, but we’re under no illusions about how small the margins are and what you really need to get over the line.
“You don’t have any results given to you in this league and we’re fully aware of that. You’ve really got to earn whatever you get. Part of that is being ruthless. We need to see more of it. It’s still got to be the same in the game after. That’s just where we’re at. You have to have belief in your work, each other and the plan - and very much stick to it.”
‘Take the game to them’
The Villans also tasted defeat last time out, beaten by Arsenal, and Cooper is expecting his side to rise to the challenge of facing another team carrying lofty ambitions of enjoying another season of success within the upper echelons of the division.
The Welshman continued: “Of course, we’re playing against a Champions League team with great success who have been on the rise for a couple of years, and we have to be aware of that and respect it.
“The Spurs game was a good reference point of what can happen if you do back yourself and if you don’t, as well, from the difference in the two halves. That’s something that we’re mindful of. It’s a different type of game, with different tactics, players and coach etc.
“But we should always look at the positives from the Spurs game. Plus the training week, the conversations with players and the challenges that we’re laying down. In this league, you have to get everything right in a game.
“We’ve got to get it right on Saturday. We’ve got to ensure that we really take the game to Villa and believe in our concepts and the affect they can have on the game. That’s what we’ve been doing in our preparation.
“To go into the international break with a positive result, it’s really important that you stay on task with your mindset. We’re going to do everything we can to earn that and deliver it to the supporters.”
‘Momentum and confidence’
There is hope that Tuesday’s comprehensive Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers can act as a springboard for further successes in the near future, starting this weekend, with a morale-boosting first triumph of 2024/25 exactly what Cooper was looking for from the midweek fixture.
“The expectation was all on us to not just get the result but to get the performance as well,” he explained. “To make that happen, it starts with the right attitude. These cup games can be a real good sign of where your culture and mindset is. If it isn’t on it, we’ve seen you can get found out.
“That was, first and foremost, the most pleasing part. The game played out because of that and the quality took over. If you’re in a cup competition, you want to get through to the next round and go as far as you can.
“I’ve been part of a couple of mini cup runs that have really benefitted league form and momentum, confidence and good feeling. That was the objective the other night, and building some relationships on the pitch.
“We’re only game three into the competitive season and there’s new players in the group and players who have been Leicester players for a few years but have been out on loan and are now back in the squad.
“It’s about building a fluidity and a connection throughout the team and making sure that goes to as many players as possible within the group. Cup games can be beneficial for that aspect.”
‘Players that can make the team better’
The Foxes’ attacking ranks were bolstered on the eve of the transfer window closing, announcing the signing of highly-rated attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss from Genk, another exciting young player who compliments the arrival of more experienced heads such as Jordan Ayew, who got up and running for the Club in midweek.
Cooper added: “You definitely want young players in your team and your squad, as well as experienced ones. It’s always nice to have a good blend for the long-term as well as being able to compete week in, week out.
“Since the season started, you quickly put even more attention on preparing for games and reviewing and recovering from games and you’re in that game cycle. That’s really where my attention has been.
“We’re working with the boys who did so well last year and we’re only focused on what we have. It’s normal to add to a squad in a transfer window and particularly in-between seasons having stepped up a league as well.
“Every Manager will always want to strengthen any position if it’s possible - we’re no different. The players that we have brought in, we feel, can make the team better and can strengthen on from the success of last year.
“He (Ayew) can play in a number of positions at the top end of the pitch and that was definitely one of the added attractions of bringing that level of player here. He’s played well in different positions, whether it be for his national team or at Premier League level.
“It’s definitely something that you do want, players in your team who can play dual roles - play one position one game and maybe adapt the week after. Jordan definitely falls into that category at the top end of the pitch.
“I was pleased to see him score the other night. It’s always good to get your first game underway at your new club. Hopefully it’s the start of many appearances for us.”