Steve Cooper explains why ‘really important’ Leicester City ace didn’t start in AFC Bournemouth win
Steve Cooper will be a relieved man on Sunday morning having finally masterminded his first Premier League win as Leicester City manager.
Steve Cooper was coming under increased pressure as Leicester City boss despite the fact we are still so early in the season, but the 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth will go some way to receiving that.
Facundo Buonanotte proved the match-winner in a dazzling display as the youngster continues to impress on loan from Brighton and Leicester defended well to also keep a first league clean sheet of the campaign.
Steve Cooper drops Harry Winks for Leicester City win over Bournemouth
One of the criticisms Leicester fans have had of Cooper is his perceived negative tactics, particularly in midfield.
Cooper has often deployed three defence-minded midfielders in the same side in Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp and Wilfred Ndidi, but against Bournemouth he decided to be a little more front-footed.
This saw Winks drop out of the starting XI for the first time in the league this season, as Jordan Ayew played in front of Skipp and Ndidi.
Cooper was asked about this decision after the game and responded: “It’s been asked quite a lot about the variety of midfield players when we were going through the transfer window. It gives us options and certain things for certain games.
“We hadn’t won for six games so you’re always looking for little solutions. You want to put a plan together. Harry’s a really important player for us and has had a big impact since he’s been here. And I’m sure that will be the case going forward.
“But we’ve got other players in every position that can have an impact. It’s a good example of being ready. It’s a good example that opportunities will come. That’s the nature of modern football. Sometimes there are changes.”
