Swansea City forward Zan Vipotnik says the energy of the club’s supporters is fuelling the team’s Championship form after he scored for a third consecutive game in a 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Slovenian striker struck early in the second half at Hillsborough before setting up Ronald to seal the points late on, with the result moving Alan Sheehan’s side up to seventh in the table.
The Owls, by contrast, remain winless and slipped to 23rd.
Vipotnik underlined the impact the away support had in South Yorkshire, stressing that Swansea’s performance levels are linked to the backing they are receiving on the road.
“I feel great after that, it was a really nice game,” he said.
“We controlled pretty much the whole game, and I am happy to score and have an assist for Ronnie because we had spoken about that sort of situation just a few moments earlier.
“With the goal, the pass meant that I could shoot with my first touch and it went in the perfect place.
“We were dangerous in the first half but didn’t score, although we had some good chances, but we improved in the second half and it’s great for the team and the fans.
“I am grateful for their support, it means a lot. When they are happy, we are happy, we felt their energy and it is a great feeling when we have them at our backs.
“It was great to share this win with them.”
The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in Sheehan’s side despite a disrupted pre-season and speculation over his future.
His latest contribution ensured Swansea extended their unbeaten run to five league matches.
Sheehan praised both the striker’s finishing and his overall leadership of the front line.
“Zan has had a wonderful week and he led the line for us extremely well,” the head coach said.
“He had a bit of a disrupted pre-season with a toe injury, but we feel like he has really got up to speed. He is a wonderful lad and we are definitely seeing the best of him right now.”
Swansea dominated long spells of the contest, controlling possession in the first half before converting their chances after the break.
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Vipotnik’s finish was followed by Ronald’s third goal of the campaign, the Brazilian lifting the ball over Owls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath after being picked out by the Slovenian’s disguised pass.
Sheehan described the away performance as close to complete.
“That was all you can ask for,” he said.
“We got the three points and a clean sheet away from home, I thought the second-half performance was outstanding and we had chances to put the game to bed earlier.
“But ultimately it is two goals, a clean sheet and really close to a complete team performance on the road.
“We controlled the first half without hurting them loads, and we asked the lads to go up a gear and I really enjoyed watching us in the second half and I hope the fans enjoyed being able to see that performance.”
While Swansea built momentum on the pitch, attention off it has turned to the future of Ollie Cooper.
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The Wales international has struggled for game time this season and was again an unused substitute at Hillsborough.
With increased competition in midfield, Sheehan acknowledged Cooper faces a decision before the transfer deadline.
“I have had conversations with Ollie. It's a World Cup year and he might need regular football,” Sheehan said.
“But that's a decision Ollie will have to make. If he decides to stay and fight for his place, that's fine.
“He is a good lad, a good trainer and that will be ultimately up to Ollie.”*
Cooper has made only one appearance this season – in the Carabao Cup – and was omitted from Craig Bellamy’s latest Wales squad.
His future remains unresolved with the transfer window about to close.
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