Tears welled in Liam Cooper’s eyes as he addressed his Leeds United team-mates after their pivotal 3-0 win at Watford on Saturday, according to head coach Jesse Marsch. The captain was among the very best performers on the pitch for the second consecutive match since his return from injury.
In a match riddled with mistakes, misplaced passes, sloppy shots and half-hearted tackles, Cooper was a cut above the rest in his management of the match as the last line of defence. Asked about his skipper’s performance, Marsch reflected upon the post-match scene behind closed doors, where he asked Cooper to address the side.
Leeds had just put 11 points between themselves and Watford as well as nine between them and Burnley in 18th, a gap which remains after their Norwich City loss. Everyone knew it was a poor match, but a critical three points in the fight for survival.
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“He won his duels, he won his aerial duels, he was positionally in the right spot, he was aggressive against the ball, he was sharp, he didn't lose any balls,” said Marsch. “I had him speak to the team afterwards because I told them I haven't had a better captain in the entire time I've been a coach.
“He was great. He almost came to tears because he loves playing with the guys so much.
“I really like this group, I really like being here. It's fun working with these guys, they give everything they have, so it fits with who I am and it fits with what we're trying to establish together.”
Saturday saw Leeds keep their first clean sheet since late November when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Elland Road. That was also the last time Cooper played 90 minutes before his hamstring injury.
