WE NEED MORE
Cooper wants to strengthen Swans squad after unbeaten start
STEVE Cooper says Swansea City must make further signings if they are “serious” about mounting a promotion challenge this term. The Swans maintained their unbeaten start to the 2020/21 Championship campaign by beating Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 at Adams Park, a result that means they have seven points from a possible nine.
However, Cooper still feels his squad is very light in certain areas, particularly up front.
The head coach is keen to sign at least one striker before next month’s transfer deadline while he is also eager to add a central defender and a left-back to his ranks.
But the Swans have hit something of a brick wall in recent weeks when it comes to adding to their squad.
And Cooper says the club must back their ambitions of securing promotion by recruiting more players in the final days of the transfer window.
“I’ve talked about what we’d like to do ourselves in terms of players coming in, but also I don’t want to lose any players as well. I don’t think we can with the numbers that we’ve got,” he said.
“I think you can see a hungry set of lads there. Nobody’s playing like they don’t want to be here. Hopefully that’s the case.
“If we end up doing nothing in terms of ins, then I’ll get on with it because I really believe in this set of players. The only thing I’ve made clear is that, if we’re very serious about what we want to do, then, for me, some things need to happen.
“Whether they do or don’t, we’ll see. But the first day after the transfer window ends will be the same as any other day, and that’s working with the players who are ready to train and getting them ready for the next game.”
Goals from Andre Ayew and Jamal Lowe earned Swansea all three points.
The shutout at Adams Park also means they have kept three consecutive clean sheets at the start of a league campaign for the first time in their history.
Meanwhile, Neil Harris bemoaned yet more sloppy defensive errors after Cardiff City fell to their second defeat in three Championship games.
Reading hit the Bluebirds with two goals after the break and both came by virtue of some questionable defending from the hosts.
Lee Tomlin pulled one back for the Bluebirds but it was too late to prevent a second successive home defeat.
It was all a bit Groundhog Day for Harris, who was left frustrated after a lax defensive display against Sheffield Wednesday proved costly on the opening day of the season.
And if Cardiff are to mount a serious bid for promotion this season, Harris believes they simply must be sharper at the back.
“It’s hugely disappointing,” the manager said after the loss. “We set our stall out at the start of the season to be resolute at home and build a platform for a top-six challenge.
“The frustrating thing for me is we’ve conceded four goals at home, and look at the goals. We have to learn. First goal against Sheffield Wednesday we give the ball away cheaply and the second comes from a set play, then today the first goal comes from a set play and the second from us giving the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park.
“That’s what hurts. We’re the better team, we’ve created the better chances, got more balls in the box, more set plays and we’ve lost the game. That’s the frustration.
“I said to the players the effort is there. After Sheffield Wednesday I questioned their focus but not today. If we want to be a top-six side, we can’t give away poor goals.”