Cooper: A Really Good Environment
There has been frustration for the Foxes so far in the 2024/25 campaign, with two points earned from four games, no more so than last weekend at Crystal Palace when a two-goal lead was lost late on in the capital.
Cooper, though, says all the signs are there that a maiden league win of the season is just around the corner. He's approaching Saturday's visit of Everton, another side searching for a first three points, with a sense of confidence that it could come this weekend.
Ahead of that test against the Toffees, the Manager spoke to the media to preview the clash.
'Brilliant spirit and togetherness'
After seeing his side make 'positive strides' both in games and in training over recent weeks, Cooper has challenged City to start building their points tally with wins.
"We definitely would have all liked to have obtained more points than what we have," he told reporters at Seagrave. "As we know, in the end, that’s the most important thing. There’s always the no.1 objective around points and the position you finish in, so we’ll be no different.
"We are frustrated that we haven’t got more points than what we have because we feel like we could’ve got something more in each game than what we did.
"That’s a frustration but it’s also a motivation to do better on that front in terms of getting over the line for results. We also feel like we are really making positive strides in that transition and becoming a really competitive team in this league.
"I don’t want to say we’re on course because we’ve only got two points, that would be wrong, but I also know there’s a lot of good things going on and there’s a really good work ethic and a really good environment.
"There’s a brilliant spirit and togetherness from the guys and they’re really committing to what we’re trying to do and the process is what we’re in control of. That’s our preparation, that’s our training, our attitude towards games in terms of how we deliver on matchdays.
"There’s no problem there, we’ve just got to try and put it all together. If we do, we feel like we’ll be a good match in any game that we play. We’ve just got to keep going really."
Every game comes with difficult challenges
Despite Everton being one of two teams yet to register a single point in the Premier League, Cooper is expecting Sean Dyche's men to pose a considerable test on Filbert Way this Saturday.
"We’re taking every game as it comes and treating them with the game importance," he explained. "We’ll prepare for every team expecting them to be their best. Everton have a lot of really good players and a really experienced manager.
"We know, like every game in this league, games come with really difficult challenges. We’re fully aware of that but our approach so far has been to really focus on ourselves and what we can bring.
"That’s what we’re in control of more than anything else. It’s continuing with that plan, that strategy, getting ready for a tough game. We’re excited about the game, we’re excited about being at home. It’s been a brilliant training week, I have to say.
"It’s been on the back of the frustration of not winning at Palace. We did enough good things in the game to allow us to feel positive about our work. We’re excited for the game."
On adding wins to the board, the 44-year-old added: "That’s what we’re all striving for. If we had more points on the table, we’d still be equally as motivated to get the three points in this game.
"It’s that stage of the season where that’s all you want, to win games and as many games as you can. At the moment, we feel like we’re doing a lot of good things. I’m seeing loads of togetherness and loads of commitment into the plan.
"Everyone’s on board, but we know that’s all well and good as long as we can put it together on a matchday and that allows us to get the results that we want. We’re desperate to win in front of our home supporters.
"The two games we’ve played [at home] so far, we’ve [drawn and lost] and we’ve been applauded off for the performance, but that’s not enough. We need to be applauded off for good performances and wins. We hold that responsibility strongly. It’s full commitment now and we’ve got another day now before we can hopefully make it all count."
Options in attacking areas
Odsonne Édouard is in line to feature for the first time for Leicester after being made to wait for his debut. A deadline day loan signing from Crystal Palace, the Frenchman had to watch from the sidelines during that visit to his parent club.
Cooper believes the former Celtic striker adds a different profile to the squad which could prove invaluable.
"Obviously, Jamie [Vardy] has been well known for his runs in behind and really coming alive in the box," the Manager said. "That’s what has given him the career that we’ve all seen over many years now.
"Odsonne can definitely offer that as well, but as well as being involved in the build-up, he can play a couple of positions. You just need more than one option in every position.
"He has Premier League experience, he has big-game experience as well, through his time at Celtic, playing on the big stage there. Sometimes the more attacking options you can have going into a game and during a game, for changes, the better.
"That is the modern game. It’s not just about the starting team, it’s not just about one player for one position, it’s having a real variety. That’s what he adds to us.
"You saw at the start of the season, with Vards picking up that injury and also Pato (Patson Daka) being out as well, that we were a little bit undermanned there. We needed to bring some bodies in.
"To bring in the quality that we have, it bodes well for us to give us the right level we need at that end of the pitch."