Danny Murphy has called for Leicester City supporters to not jump the gun with perceptions of Steve Cooper.
The Foxes booked their place in the League Cup’s last 16, but to do so were taken to penalties by League Two opposition in Walsall after a lacklustre 0-0 stalemate.
Also after five rounds of Premier League football without victory in the new season, fans began to vent their frustrations from the Bescot Stadium’s away section with chants of ‘Cooper, sort it out’ and ‘this is embarrassing’.
“You’ll always get a certain section of fans who are never happy,” Murphy responded on talkSPORT. “They were dominating the league [Championship] playing possession-based football last year and there was a section of them for which it became ‘too much football, too much tika taka’, you know? They wanted it to change then.”
The former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder offered a negative review of the style of play the club have turned to in replacing Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca with Cooper, but ultimately sided with the Welshman’s approach, at least for the time being.
“I think Steve Cooper is pragmatic in his approach with this Leicester and I think it is probably the right way to go. I’ve seen a couple of the games – one live, and a couple of other 90 minutes. They’re not a great watch, not particularly adventurous.
“But I don’t think they can be, because if they did I think they’ll get done. He’s easing his way in. He’s only been in the door for five games, there’s quite a few new players through the door so he’s going to have to work with them, get his message across. Give him a bit more time.
“Obviously if it carries on not winning matches and not entertaining you’ve always got a problem.”
Murphy was then asked his thoughts on whether the section of the Foxes’ fanbase displeased with Cooper just over a month into his tenure hold expectations above their station for a newly-promoted side, or if they should be fighting for higher honours.
He responded: “Possibly. There is always this conversation of style or substance. It’s getting some results on the board, they’re not in the relegation zone and if they remain in that position by the end of the season he’s done his job. You’ve just gotta give him a little bit of time, surely?”
“Let him get his feet in the door before you start judging too harshly,” he pleaded. “It hasn’t been great but they’re not in the bottom. Someone has to be and they’re not so look at the positives. They’re playing for him and they’re fighting – they’re just not particularly good on the eye at the minute but let’s see.”
Leave a Reply