Steve Cooper | Let's have no regrets

Steve Cooper wants Swansea City to ensure they have no regrets as they commence their final four-game push for a play-off spot against Championship leaders Leeds on Sunday (1.30pm).

The Swans have taken 10 points from a possible 15 since the season restarted in June, with back-to-back wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham putting them just one place and one point off the top six ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

They kick off their final quartet of games by hosting Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, who are within tantalising reach of a return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

Meetings with Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Reading then round off the season, but head coach Cooper says the mindset among his squad and staff is of seizing their opportunities rather than feeling any pressure.

“The words we are using as a squad are ‘let’s go for things’. Not just now with where we are, but that’s been the sentiment since we came back," he said.

“Let’s have no regrets, there is everything to be excited about and nothing to be fearful of.

“We have all seen some of the Championship games at the bottom end of the league, and that’s when it’s really tough and you can really be playing with fear.

“For us, it should be about thriving and taking opportunities, being excited about what is front of us. That is definitely the mentality we have got.”

Leeds have also taken 10 points from five games since returning to action, and Bielsa’s men were in fine form as they thumped Stoke 5-0 at Elland Road on Thursday night.

However, the Swans won the reverse fixture between the sides earlier in the season, securing a first victory at Leeds’ famous old home for 70 years.

And while Cooper is aware of the quality they possess, he sees Sunday’s clash as a challenge that is there to be embraced.

“They are top of the league, they have a clear way of playing and good players,” said Cooper.

“But you have to look forward to this. In the end, if you want to achieve these are the games you have to be able to play well in and win.

“That’s how we view it, we are not looking at it negatively because we are playing top of the league.

“We are looking at it and thinking ‘what a challenge, what a great game to look forward to’. Let’s go for it.”