‘Focused On Ourselves’ – Pre-Ipswich Thoughts From Cooper
City are pursuing their third Premier League success of the season at Portman Road, a feat which could put considerable daylight between themselves and the bottom three, where Town currently reside.
And ahead of the 3pm kick-off in Suffolk, Cooper gave his pre-match verdict to the assembled media inside LCFC Training Ground…
‘Show we can adapt’
Exiting the Carabao Cup in midweek, following defeat at Manchester United, attention returns to the Premier League as Leicester City look to get back to winning ways. Given the short space of time between fixtures, there is little time to prepare on the training pitch, but that cannot be a factor come the weekend, Cooper outlined.
The Welshman stated in his press conference: “With such a quick turnaround - because of the fixture schedule - to the game on Saturday, we’ve got to continue with the plan and all our focus is on Ipswich. The games are going to come around quick, but in some ways, I think it’s a positive.
“We knew it was going to be a quick turnaround, there’s no problem with that. We’ve got to thrive in these challenges and you’ve got to deal with all of these things and it’s good that we can show we can adapt to these things.
“We’re concerned with our preparation as we stand and going into a good game to play in, focusing on a performance that can get the result that we want. We want to get our third win and there’s a real determination to do that.
“We’re focused on ourselves and looking forward to playing again. We’re very much in a position where when we have been at our best, or shown a good version of ourselves, that is when we’ve been thinking about us. We’ve just been all on us and what we can do in games. The intention is that we play well on the weekend and get the result.”
'A ruthless environment'
Recent defensive errors have, naturally, concerned the City Manager, conceding 10 in the last three matches across all competitions, though he expects the team to rise to the challenge of competing at this level, week in, week out, and make the opposition work for their chances.
“I won’t hide away from the goals, particularly in the last two games and mistakes that have led to that,” the 44-year-old admitted. “First and foremost, we focus on our concentration and being present in the moment.
“We’re in a ruthless environment in the Premier League where you get punished. We’ve got to get that balance right and tip it in a positive light for us, in that we’re scoring more than we’re conceding.
“It’s facing up to it and owing it. We’ve got to take responsibility for anything that isn’t quite right, which at this moment is probably giving opponents good opportunities to score against us or have a dangerous moment.
“We should always stand up and be counted for what needs to be better and that will always change, that’s the beauty of the game. We’ve always got to bear that in mind.
“Concentration is such a key factor of what we’re talking about now. If a team has worked really hard to create chances, it’s a little bit better than giving opportunities like we have in the last two games.”
'All significant games'
Saturday’s hosts have impressed in spells so far this term, with several performances highlighted to show they are moving in the right direction, though three consecutive defeats have somewhat stalled the momentum of gaining four draws in a row.
He analysed: “Ipswich have been on a constant rise for the last couple of years with Kieran [McKenna]. Now they are plying their trade in the Premier League and both teams got promoted last year. By doing that, it can create big games when you play, because of the league table.
“Some things are the same at both clubs and some things are different. All of that adds good context to the game. It adds to the motivation for both. We don’t want any team to get a positive result against us, that’s for sure, regardless of their recent form. We’re aware of that, but it’s not for us to be concerned with.
“I don’t think we should assume that anyone should be anywhere, regardless what has gone on in the previous few games. It’s more about living in the moment, respecting it, of course, and knowing you have to earn the right and make things happen.
“They are all significant. It can make such a difference as we’ve seen with the two wins we’ve got already. Three points is three points and you’ve got to give everything to get that next one. That’s always the objective, to get a win whoever you’re playing. And this is one we’re looking forward to, going down to Ipswich.”