Life at Leicester City is more comfortable for Steve Cooper under a rational, encouraging owner but he cannot afford to relax in achieving the objectives he’s been set by the hierarchy.
Cooper said finding a supportive chairman was important for him when he considered his next move during his time out of work. He has found that in City owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha.
Speaking before the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Cooper praised the working environment at City and understands why King Power have enjoyed success at the club, with the owners now experienced in the game after more than a decade at the helm. But while he feels comfortable, it doesn’t mean he can take the expectations lightly.
“I can see why this club has had the success it’s had with this ownership, because they make you feel like you want to do well,” Cooper said. “They do that through kindness, support and encouragement.
“When you engage with him (Top) and meet him, he’s kind-natured. You feel comfortable around him, there’s definitely no fear, but a lot of respect. He’s got a big aura. You can be yourself.
“It’s full of support. I felt that even before I accepted the job. That was going to be really important to me on my next job, which ended up being this one.
“They’re rational. They’re understanding. They have good knowledge. They’ve seen a lot now, in terms of performance and results and how seasons can pan out. They understand the challenge.
“The caveat is that there’s an expectation. I’m very clear of the objectives and the expectations that have been set, and they’re not just on the pitch but off it as well. I live and breathe that every day.
“It’s support and goodwill and you feel like someone is behind you and we’re definitely behind him in what he wants to do as well. But we’re under no illusions we’ve got to win games and we’ve got to play well and we’ve got to reach objectives.”
Today, Sunday, is the sixth anniversary of the King Power Stadium helicopter tragedy, in which five people, including chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, lost their lives. Cooper and the squad will attend a memorial service to mark the occasion.
He added: “It’s the anniversary of the really sad story that happened six years ago. We’ll be paying our respects as a club on Sunday. It’s important for me to be part of that in my current position.”
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