Mark Cooper says Notts County must defend better as a team

New Notts County boss Mark Cooper says his side must learn to defend better as a team.

The struggling Magpies have shipped 62 goals already this season and have failed to win in their last seven League Two outings.

But, despite the worrying stats, Cooper inists the quality is there to tighten up

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “There is some talent in there. nIt is a little bit unbalanced, but as it has shown during the season it is capable of getting results.

“We have to be a little more resolute in terms of the defending.

“That doesn’t just mean the defenders, but as a team, maybe making them get further up the pitch.

“As a unit they have to be a bit more resolute and tougher to score against.

“If we can have a little bit of that then we will be okay.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am surprised a little bit by where they are because with the squad and the talent that’s in it, they should be higher than what they are.

“That’s the way it is and get as many points as we can in the last ten games.

“We need to make it a strong end to the season.”

County faces a tough Easter weekend as they face back-to-back-games against play-off chasing Portsmouth and Wycombe.

Despite the tough task ahead, Cooper is confident his side can put all the pressure on Pompey.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I love the way Portsmouth play,” added Cooper. “The manager is a breath of fresh air in the way he speaks.

“I had some really good battles against him when he was the manager of Chesterfield. It’s a big club, and with that and the investment comes pressure.

“It’s a tough job to get over the line because there are a few teams scrapping for automatic promotion.

“They’ve wobbled a little bit at home and we have to use every weapon we can to crank up the pressure on them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It would be nice to have the new manager bounce, but a lot of things have to happen for that to take place.

“It would be great to get an early goal, but you have to be careful because they have a lot of players in their team which can hurt you.

“Technically they are gifted and can score goals at any time.

“I hope it’s a good football.

“He is a typically bubbly Scouser. I used to love watching him as a player. He was a silky midfield player and I am sure they will go close.”