Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is eager to win over Leicester City fans after facing criticism from the stands following a tense Carabao Cup tie. Despite securing a spot in the fourth round, Cooper’s team struggled to a goalless draw against League Two side Walsall, eventually advancing after Danny Ward saved three penalties in the shoot-out. While progression in the competition brought some relief, the mood among the traveling Leicester supporters remained sour. Over 2,000 fans made the journey, and as the team faltered in the second half, chants of “Cooper, sort it out!” echoed through the crowd, with some even labeling the performance “embarrassing” in the final minutes.
Tensions escalated when a Leicester fan made their way onto the pitch, heading toward Cooper and his dugout, shouting and gesturing. However, Cooper didn’t shy away from addressing the frustrations. Acknowledging the fans’ chants, he expressed his commitment to earning their trust and respect. “I didn’t see the fan who came onto the pitch, but I heard the chanting, and I’ll own that,” Cooper remarked. “I’ll never show any disrespect toward fans’ opinions. They have the right to support their club as they see fit. I need to build some credit with the supporters and earn the right to do the job. I knew that from the start.”
Cooper emphasized that the criticism only fuels his determination to succeed. “I’m desperate to do well. It’s experiences like these that make me even more committed. I see this as an opportunity to show how good I am and how good we are as a team,” he said. “I respect the fans’ views, and I’m focused on building strong relationships with them. Nights like this, though tough, can ultimately help strengthen those bonds. I’ve truly embraced this club and its values, and I take my responsibility seriously. That includes doing everything I can to earn the support of the fans. This is a great opportunity to prove myself.”