Deluded Steve Cooper on 5-2 loss to Man United: Leicester were DOMINANT
Slightly delusional Leicester City manager Steve Cooper said in a post-match interview that his Foxes team were "dominant" at Old Trafford. If you are not aware, the east Midlands outfit lost 5-2 to Manchester United on the evening in the English Football League Cup. And while the scoreline was slightly flattering to Ruud van Nistelrooy's men, Leicester certainly did not dominate the Red Devils.
Why is the former Nottingham Forest man saying these inaccurate statements? Why can't he let the result and possible refereeing mistake go? Did Cooper blame any of his widely underperforming LCFC players for their myriad of errors? And did the 44-year-old take any responsibility at all for a pretty strange choice of starters and faults within his dissatisfying system? City could've progressed to a League Cup quarterfinal - instead they are picking their collective morale up off the floor again.
Leicester City defeated by Manchester United
There were a few positives for Leicester versus Man United, as usual. The engines and determination of James Justin and Boubakary Soumare are examples via two stars. Bilal El Khannouss obviously took his goal very well then showed further promise as well.
I don't think you can exactly blame Danny Ward for his defence's shortcomings and many mistakes. Although nobody seemed quite up to scratch in an LCFC shirt. I would have liked and expected midfielders such as Oliver Skipp to impose himself on the match more. But, at least it wasn't a top-flight game: preserving EPL status is paramount on Filbert Way, naturally.
Steve Cooper's deluded analysis of EFL Cup loss at Old Trafford
Before I dissect some of the inexact comments coming from City chief Cooper following defeat to United, I'll make a brief disclaimer. I am not (well, not yet) an advocate of the boss getting the sack.
It is especially important to judge him on Premier League performances and periodical positioning, as opposed to cup competition progress. The Welshman and his Foxes side aren't doing too badly in that respect overall. A win at Ipswich Town on Saturday could see the King Power club ascend to tenth EPL place.
Whilst Man United almost completely controlled the match versus the visitors, Cooper saw something different. LCFC had their moments, few as they were. Though, in Foxes of Leicester's opinion, the below statements are a bit delusional when considering Leicester conceded five goals. Man United also had seven more shots and 14% higher share of possession:
"In terms of how the game went, it was typified by the start of the second half to the fifth goal. We were completely dominant. I don’t think United entered our half and then we give away a goal like we did.
- Steve Cooper
We’re just frustrated with how the night’s gone. It wasn’t an environment that was intimidating at all. It was okay, it was good to play in.
I’m not saying we deserved to win tonight but we didn’t deserve to lose 5-2.
I think anybody who wasn't here tonight looks at the scores and probably thinks it was a dominant comfortable result for United. But it was anything but that!
I’ve just said to the lads, it’s so strange, we’ve done so much good in the game..."