Premier League manager responds to question about links to Tottenham job
Steve Cooper, who has been linked with the Tottenham job over recent weeks, has admitted that the Lilywhites have a ‘fantastic team’ and an ‘incredible’ stadium but insisted that the speculation over his future is ‘irrelevant’ for the time being.
Multiple reports over the last couple of days have suggested that the search for Antonio Conte’s replacement is now well underway, with Fabio Paratici having been asked to compile a list of managers who could succeed the Italian (Daily Mail).
One of the names who is thought to be on the list is Cooper, who has done a fabulous job at the City Ground since taking over in the summer of 2021.
GiveMeSport suggested last week that the Welsh manager is not just on Tottenham’s radar but could also be the subject of interest from the likes of Chelsea, West Ham United and Southampton.
The Athletic also confirmed on Tuesday that the 43-year-old has a few admirers in the Tottenham hierarchy and is one of many coaches the Lilywhites are considering for the hot seat.
Cooper’s side are set to take on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend and the Forest boss has insisted that the game is currently his only focus.
When asked about the speculation linking him with the Tottenham job, he told The Independent: “The only thing that it is is irrelevant. I said what I said last week, I don’t want or need to say it again.
“The most important thing for me is the game, the guys I am working with every single day and I am trying to be at my best and do a good day’s work and try and get them to do the same.
“Then we give ourselves a chance of trying to be a better team.
“We are embracing that challenge, we have had a lot of hurdles we have had to overcome this season, I am loving this journey with the players.
“It is a challenging one but one I am enjoying. But anything outside that bubble is irrelevant.
“The moment I am not thinking about Nottingham Forest or the players or the staff or how I can be at my best is the moment I am not getting it right, that’s not what I want to be, I want to be all-in, that’s what I am and I am not looking further than going to Tottenham on Saturday.”
Spurs are going through a difficult period on the pitch at the moment and some might feel they are there for the taking on Saturday but that is not how Cooper sees things.
He added: “They are a fantastic team, they are going for the Champions League, I watched them last night and it was in the Champions League so they are playing at an unbelievable level,” he said.
“The new stadium is incredible, it’s a great place to go and play a football match, especially in the Premier League. We know it’s going to be a tough game.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This statement from Cooper is far from a rejection.
In fact, there is no doubt that the 43-year-old would be interested if Tottenham came calling for him in the summer.
However, I do not think that the Welshman would be near the top of Paratici’s wishlist.
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