Liam Cooper’s press conference proved to be a total disaster.
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper was quizzed at this morning’s press conference about the Whites’ terrible season and he made an eye-opening admission.
Cooper told reporters that the team have still not recovered from the away defeat to Millwall back in September, a game which ended the team’s unbeaten start to the season.
Cooper was quoted by The Yorkshire Evening Post: “It’s very tough to put your finger on it. I think the Millwall game hit us really hard.”
Cooper’s comments showed a mental frailty in the Leeds squad, which reflects badly on the previous and current coaching staff that nobody has been able to put it right.
But it is also a damning indictment on himself, the club captain.
Leeds fans had their doubts last summer whether Cooper was the right choice as captain after being a back up last season.
He has failed to deliver, picking up needless red cards and suspensions, wilting under pressure as the team buckled.
His honesthonest show to an extent that he has failed in his role as leader and been unable to gee up a mentally weak group of players.
Evidently he needs replacing as captain, but it’s also time for Leeds to get harsh and stop the rot, starting with sending a message by selling him early this summer.
Selling Cooper would be a statement of intent from owner Andrea Radrizzani that he is not willing to tolerate the poor performances this season.
Axing the captain will give the club a fresh start, and help shift the negative attitude which appears to have engulfed the club’s season.
It can warn the rest of the squad that nobody is safe if they do not step up, while also lifting a cloud hanging over the team.
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