Matt Grimes praises Cooper's winning mentality

Swansea City captain Matt Grimes has praised the winning mentality head coach Steve Cooper has brought to the club since his appointment.

Under Cooper, 39, the Swans have enjoyed their best-ever start to a league campaign, registering five wins and a draw from their first six Championship fixtures.

Cooper’s men sit at the summit of the second-tier table having defeated Leeds at Elland Road for the first time in 70 years last time out.

And midfielder Grimes believes Cooper’s positive mindset has been an important factor in such a bright start to the new season.

“The head coach coming in has made a big difference,” said Grimes.

 “Since the first week of pre-season, he has installed a winning mentality in the group. Maybe we didn’t have that so much last year.

“We know that our team-mates are besides us and will fight tooth and nail to give us the best chance of winning the game. Everyone knows their job and is pulling the club in the right direction.

“To be the captain and leader is a massive honour. I hope to keep doing that to the best of my ability and drive the club towards where it wants to go.”

During the early stages of the season, the Swans have shown an ability to deal with adversity.

They came from behind to record victories over Hull, Preston and Northampton, while they have remained unbeaten on their travels having struggled away from home at times last term.

And Grimes feels the connection between players and supporters has helped the team come through the challenges they have faced over the opening month of the campaign.

“At the moment, our team spirit is unbelievable and the connection with the fans is of a different class. We just need to keep building on that,” said Grimes.

“There are going to be difficult times during the season, but we know that if we stick together, we can get out of them.”