Thomas on the latest Team News
All good and available for selection from the weekend.
Thomas on our midfield options ...
Last year we had five good midfielders available all of the time, this year we had six but are down to three. We’ve had to convert Saman Ghoddos into a midfielder; I knew he could play there when we signed him but he was like a winger-midfielder. We have Emiliano Marcondes, Shandon Baptiste, and Christian Norgaard out, which is a lot. I really hope Emi and Christian are back for us soon.
Thomas on Christian Norgaard ...
I spoke to him again today and he looked fit and strong. He is still not with the group but with our Head of Performance with a ball involved, twisting and turning, which looked good. He was involved in the coaching meeting about Swansea City and there was a smile on his face so he’s in a good place. I really look forward to when he is back with the team and able to help us. He will be like a new signing when he comes back. It will bring extra positivity and energy to the group. We look forward to welcoming him back soon hopefully.
Thomas on the season so far ...
Last year it took us longer to get up to speed than this year. It is a slightly different team but in the same vision and style of play. As a whole the team, the squad, and the Club is a year more experienced and I would say we are in a slightly better place, with a massive focus on the next game still.
Thomas on our unbeaten league run ...
We won nine games at the end of last season which was remarkable but last season we didn’t have that long run of unbeaten games like we do now. The team have been cleverer in certain situations and more difficult to beat. That is of course massive for us.
Thomas on The Swans ...
I think Swansea City have done very well this season especially since they changed to their new 3-5-2 system. They are very well coached and drilled by Steve Cooper; they know exactly what they want offensively and defensively. With their wing-backs they are difficult to close down so they deliver a lot of crosses. They have Jamal Lowe and Andre Ayew who can get on the end of those crosses.
The most impressive though is their defensive record; they have conceded by far the fewest goals. We know it is very difficult break through a back five with three midfielders in front. They have defensive discipline and know 100 per cent what they want to do. It’s two teams who want to dominate and take control so we’re looking forward to a top match against a very strong opponent.
Thomas on Steve Cooper ...
We’ve definitely had a similar path with starting in academies and then coaching our national teams at Under-17 level. I have the biggest respect for Steve Cooper and his coaching staff. Steve is one of the coaches I speak to once in a while. I wish him all the best, just not tomorrow!
Thomas on the heavy fixture schedule ...
To be fair, I don’t think it makes a difference. We played every Saturday, midweek, Saturday since the start of the season and then we had one week off because the training ground was closed. We are used to it and we have a strategy for it. Hopefully we continue with that.
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