Paul Robinson has told BBC Radio 5 Live – as per BBC Sport’s website – that he does not believe Leeds United boss Javi Gracia thinks much of captain Liam Cooper, with the Scotland international remaining an unused sub again.
Cooper, 31, has managed just one substitute outing under Gracia since the Spaniard arrived. He was injured prior to the international break, making the bench against Wolves. He then played for Scotland in the 2-0 win over Spain.
Following that, Cooper did come off the bench in the 4-1 loss to Arsenal. But, he has remained an unused sub in the defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool. Pascal Struijk has partnered Robin Koch, with Max Wober now fit again.
Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Robinson spoke about the ongoing issues at Elland Road right now, and he questioned why the Leeds captain continues to get overlooked. He said that it is clear that Gracia does not “fancy” Cooper.
“Liam Cooper hasn’t played. I don’t know why the manager is leaving him on the bench – he clearly doesn’t fancy him. There doesn’t look to be any cohesion in the back four. There’s a lot going wrong for Leeds at the moment.”
Robinson says Leeds boss Gracia does not think much of captain Cooper
Last season, in the relegation run-in, it is fair to say that Cooper was instrumental. One of our best players. He has that experience and on-the-pitch know how. A bit of leadership and authority. Ally McCoist said he is “brilliant”.
Perhaps it is time, against Fulham on Saturday, to include Cooper in the side. But with Wober fit, it is much more likely that Gracia turns to the Austria alongside Koch. Maybe, if he uses a back three, there is a place for Cooper.
