Steve Cooper | This is for the fans, we did it our way

12th December
First team
Cardiff huddle

Steve Cooper dedicated Swansea City’s South Wales derby victory to the club’s supporters, and was proud to see his side “do it our way”.

Jamal Lowe was the matchwinner for the Swans, turning in from close range early on before settling matters with a sublime second in the closing stages.

It was a dominant display from the visitors and head coach Cooper was delighted to see his side boss the game with the ball, and give the Jack Army plenty of reason to smile.

And he revealed a post-match huddle of players and staff was to send a message to everyone connected with Swansea City.

“This is for the fans, and that’s why I got everyone together on the pitch at the end to show the togetherness in the group,” he said.

“It’s tough times for everyone in South Wales, but we look after our own in Swansea and we know how important this game is to people.

“The supporters were in our minds today, and it was really important to be together and show the supporters we are doing it for them.

Steve Cooper Jamal Lowe

“We did it our way, with the ball trying to play through the lines and be creative, making proper chances.

“It was a really pleasing day, one for the supporters and I hope they have a good day.”

In addition to showing poise and quality in possession, the Swans also showed substance to go with the style as they nullified Cardiff’s set-piece threat.

“We were good at it today, it’s hard to play against when we get it right. Our positioning was excellent, we found the spaces and the game went to plan,” added Cooper.

“There was a real message to play from the back, to get our midfielders on the ball, to trust our positioning and get the ball to each other in dangerous areas, and a lot of good things came from that.

Cardiff Jamal Lowe cele

“It’s hard to do, but today we did it very well. I am really pleased, to dominate a derby with the ball.

“We were also really competitive, we defended set-plays excellently, you have to do that against Cardiff, you have to compete in the air and win second balls.

“We respect that a lot and it was important that when we got the ball on the floor we played our stuff, and we did that.”