Roberts’ role in Swans’ fast start to campaign
HE was Chris Coleman’s most trusted lieutenant during Wales’ memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
And Osian Roberts’ impact in Welsh football will be felt for years to come, despite his recent move to Morocco.
But it seems the former Football Association of Wales’ technical director and assistant’s knowledge and insight is playing a role in Swansea City’s dream start to the 2019/20 season.
Steve Cooper has revealed he regularly taps into the mind of the man who stood alongside Gary Speed, Coleman and most recently Ryan Giggs with the national side.
Having scooped the Championship’s Manager of the Month award for August after seeing his side collect 16 points from the 18 on offer, it appears Cooper is putting any nuggets of advice that have come his way in recent months to good use.
And the Swansea boss says he has kept in regular contact with Roberts since taking charge at the Liberty Stadium.
“He’s been very good to me over the years. I didn’t speak with him as much when I was with England though!” said the
Swansea head coach. “I’ve spoke to him loads since I got this job and before that when I was coming through the qualification process.
“He’s a good guy, he cares about Welsh football, whether it’s the national team or the pathways. He’s done an unbelievable job, there’s no doubt about that and he can look back on a legacy and be proud of that.
“You can see they’ve put a lot of emphasis on recruitment and trying to find the best, not only in Wales, but players that qualify for Wales who are playing outside the country and they’re definitely seeing the benefits of that.
“Osian has done a brilliant job but obviously he’s gone on to a new adventure now. I think he’ll be a miss but like any strong organisation, it’s about moving on to the next thing and being even stronger.
“Having worked for the English FA, you do need people with good vision and great understanding of what can be done through coach education and I think Osian has done a great job with that.”
With Swansea sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table and Wales winning both of their fixtures during the recent international, time are certainly looking positive at SA1 and with the national set-up.
In addition to seeing Joe Rodon make his international debut against Azerbaijan, Cooper was also able to run the rule over Connor Roberts in the Euro 2020 qualifier.
But the Swans are playing a key role at youth level with Wales too.
Cooper was in attendance to watch Wales’s Under-21s who kick-started their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign with a stunning 1-0 win over Belgium’s young guns in Wrexham.
Ben Cabango, Jack Evans, Liam Cullen and Oli Cooper all featured in the win at the Racecourse while Keiran Evans and Brandon Cooper were unused substitutes.
And the international break proved to be a useful learning experience for Cooper who is hoping the Swans can continue to supply players to the national side.
Cooper said: “I thought Ben Cabango, Jack and Liam all played in that game and did well. There was a few more boys involved as well.
“International football can offer you good challenges and it’s a great opportunity to observe them in a different environment, especially the qualification games. Having been there, they do test you in every way.
“I’m pleased with how all of the boys have done, and I know Joe’s obviously one every one is talking about with it being Wales and with Swansea being a Welsh club.
“But he did really well and we’re really proud of him. But, like with Swansea, you’ve got to look forward now.”
Wales’ 2-1 win over Azerbaijan keeps them firmly in the mix for a top two place in their Euro 2020 qualifying group.
And Cooper believes Wales are in decent shape at present under Ryan Giggs.
“I like the look of Wales’ team. I think they look really good,” added Cooper.
“David Brooks wasn’t playing, nor Aaron Ramsey (against Azerbaijan). There may be one or two others too but I think the potential there is very bright there.”