Cooper’s focus on big game amid Palace link
STEVE Cooper has said Swansea City will not allow themselves to be distracted ahead of their clash with Barnsley following reports that the head coach is among the favourites to become the next Crystal Palace manager.
Roy Hodgson will leave the London club following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, and Cooper is one of several candidates tipped to take over at Selhurst Park.
But Cooper swiftly swatted away talk of those reports, with the Swansea head coach admitting his side’s preparation will not be affected in any way as they look to secure playoff semi-final victory over Barnsley at the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
“It’s not a week for any individual topics or conversations for anybody,” he said.
“This week is just about the second leg in the play-offs for Swansea City and doing everything we can to get the right outcome. I, like everybody else, am just in the bubble at the moment.
“Nothing will distract me or anyone else because it’s too important, this week.
“We’re enjoying the week, we’re motivated, excited, all of them things that you feel in big games. Nothing else is on our mind.”
The Swans lead 1-0 thanks to Andre Ayew’s 17th goal of the campaign in the first leg at Oakwell on Monday night.
Swansea will host 3,000 fans at the
Liberty this weekend in what will be their first taste of live action since a 0-0 draw with West Brom on March 7 last year.
And Cooper has issued a heartwarming message to the Jack Army ahead of tomorrow’s contest with Valerien Ismael’s side.
“Welcome back, we’ve missed you!,” he said when asked about the supporters.
“We’re going to do our very best to make you proud and give you something to cheer about.
“My biggest thought is that we can really come together as one group of players, staff and supporters to represent the ones who are not here.
“If we do that, it will be power and a little bit emotional as well. Let’s get together like we once were because we know how important that is to the community and what impact it can have in terms of succeeding.
”That’s what we’re going to do our end, and I know the supporters will jump on board with that.
“We’ll try to do the best job we can to represent the wider Jack Army, because most of them won’t be here.
“We’ve got to make sure we represent everybody inside and out of the stadium like Swansea City are, and that’s together.”
Swansea have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.
On team news, Cooper commented: “We’re good. Fortunately there was nothing negative in terms of player availability from the game the other night. We’ve got the same squad to select from.” back