The Leeds United defender claims that Marcelo Bielsa has taken him to the next level.
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has told The Yorkshire Evening Post that Marcelo Bielsa has improved him in a big way.
Cooper has been one of United’s most consistent performers since Bielsa took the reins at Elland Road 14 months ago.
The 27-year-old captained Leeds to a third-place Championship finish last term but Derby County eliminated them from the playoffs.
Nevertheless, the centre-back looks set for another strong season in West Yorkshire and Scotland boss Steve Clarke handed him a call-up for this month’s international games.
And Cooper, signed by ex-Leeds boss David Hockaday back in 2014, says that the renowned Argentine coach is to thank for his upturn in fortunes.
He told The YEP: “He has brought my game on in so many levels. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and feel like I’m coming to the prime of my career. Leeds are a very demanding club so stepping up to international football will be nothing new.
“A lot of the credit for the call-up has to go to the manager and his staff. The way they have brought me on as a player and given me the responsibility of captain has been invaluable.”
Cooper has been in the Scotland set-up before back in 2016 and 2017, though the Hull-born star, who qualifies for Clarke’s side through his grandfather, is still waiting for a debut.
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