Wales On Sunday

SWANSEA VIEW: STEVE COOPER

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STEVE Cooper slammed the attitude of his Swansea City players following their miserable showing in the 1-0 loss to Luton Town.

Swansea failed to replicate manner of performanc­e they delivered against Middlesbro­ugh last weekend, and James Collins’ second half header ensured Nathan Jones’ side left the Liberty Stadium with all three points.

The hosts desperatel­y struggled to create clear cut openings against a stubborn Luton side who started the day at the foot of the Championsh­ip table.

And Cooper believes his side’s inconsiste­ncy this term is to do with the mentality of the players.

“I didn’t see it coming, not just after last week but from the build-up to the game,” he said.

“I didn’t like our attitude towards the game.

“We weren’t efficient enough in terms of doing the basics well.

“We were waiting for the person next to us to get the job done rather than doing it ourselves.

“Once you start like that, it’s difficult sometimes to shake it off.

“At half-time, we tried to liven things up, and we did do a bit better, still not at the level required.

“Obviously we give away a poor goal, we lose possession a couple of times, a free cross into the box and a free header. It’s a really disappoint­ing day.

“We’ve done it too many times this season where we’ve put ourselves in a good position and not capitalise­d on it, and for me it’s a mentality thing.”

The defeat leaves Swansea four points adrift of the top six after south Wales rivals Cardiff beat Preston 3-1 at Deepdale.

Swansea return to action against fellow promotion chasers Millwall at The Den on Tuesday night.

When asked if the Swans’ frailties will cost them a play-off spot this season, Cooper responded: “Well it will because points are so important at this stage of the season.

“We don’t want to rely on other teams not gaining ground on us or stepping away from us.

“We want to be taking care of business ourselves.

“There was a real opportunit­y today to play well and to win the game and kick on again into what is going to be a hectic period.

“To not do that is really disappoint­ing, but we’ve only got ourselves to blame.”

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