Steve Cooper

Control in possession key for Steve Cooper

17th October
First team

Steve Cooper wants to see his Swansea City side show greater control in games ahead of the next sequence of Championship fixtures.

The Swans return to second-tier action when they travel to face Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday.

Cooper’s side sit just a point off the top of the table, despite suffering defeat to Stoke last time out.

The head coach says there are a number of areas he wants his side to strive to improve in as they prepare to head to South Yorkshire.

But he identified having control of the game through possession as a key area for his side moving forward.

“I think we can improve in every area and I think we have to have that mentality,” he said.

“We cannot be complacent. I would like us to have a little more control in games.

“We have good enough players technically to control momentum in games in possession.

Steve Cooper

“I think at times the game has been a bit too back and forth.

“That is not a problem, and it’s something we can handle as we have the athleticism and know-how to deal with that.

“It’s just at times I think we need to show a bit more calmness and play a few more passes to control the game.

“I feel if we do that, we look a good team and - if we get it right - I would back us against anybody.

“That will be our mentality for this game and the next game, and the one after that.

“The more times we get it right, the more chance we have of winning.”