Liam Cooper Interview: Ex-Leeds Captain on Life as an Unemployed Player

Liam Cooper’s Journey: From Leeds United Captain to Unemployed Player

It is shortly after 10 am when Liam Cooper answers his mobile phone. The former captain of Leeds United finds himself in a familiar situation—unemployed and actively seeking new opportunities in football.

Liam Cooper, who recently turned 34, has been without a club since leaving CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria at the end of July. His search for a new challenge within the English Football League (EFL) continues as he balances his time between training and playing padel, a racquet sport that has become an invaluable outlet for his competitive streak.

Padel’s Role in Cooper’s Life

Cooper acknowledges the challenges of his current situation: “It’s difficult. If you speak to anybody in my situation, they’ll tell you the same. You know you’ve got to do it. It’s part of our lives.” Despite the worry and uncertainty, he finds solace in padel, which helps him maintain that competitive edge but notes that nothing can replace the feeling of winning on a Saturday afternoon after a full week’s training.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Interest

Cooper remains optimistic about his future. Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has expressed interest in signing him, despite the club being under recruitment restrictions due to financial regulations breached during former chairman Dejphon Chansiri’s tenure.

The club is currently in administration and has seen an influx of cash from supporter spending, which has raised hopes that these restrictions might be relaxed. “I’ve still got many great friendships and relationships with people at the club,” Cooper says, expressing his willingness to return if given the chance.

Reflections on His Time at Leeds United

Cooper’s reflection on his time as a Leeds United player is both proud and bittersweet. He led the team out of their 16-year Premier League exile under Marcelo Bielsa, achieving the club’s highest top-flight finish since 2002. While he was unable to participate in this year’s Championship celebrations, he remains connected to the fanbase and the city that embraced him during his decade-long tenure.

“I’ve lived every aspect of football you can at the club,” Cooper says with fond memories. “I look back on it with such love.” He also acknowledges the sacrifices made away from the pitch, especially with his family, who have not seen as much of him over the past 15 years due to his career demands.

The Road Ahead

Cooper’s next move is uncertain, but he remains hopeful. “You do reflect then and you can be proud of yourself—you’ve left a mark on the club, on the team, on the dressing room.” His experience and connections with colleagues might yet lead to a return to Elland Road in some capacity, though he emphasizes his focus on finding new challenges: “I’ve got a lot to offer the game on the playing side.”

The journey continues as Cooper waits for the green light from Sheffield Wednesday. His time in Bulgaria has provided him with a different perspective and an opportunity to spend quality time with his family, but the call of football remains strong.

For now, he is content to let fate take its course while enjoying the simpler pleasures of padel and spending time with his children Gia and Rui. As he waits for the next move, Cooper is hopeful that his skills and experience will find a new home in the EFL.