Millwall Boss Neil Harris Praises Leeds United and Calls for Protection for Jake Cooper
Millwall head coach Neil Harris has lavished praise on Leeds United and manager Daniel Farke following his team’s 1-0 victory at The Den on Wednesday night. Harris’ admiration for Leeds’ quality and resilience was evident in his post-match press conference.
A Class Act: Harris Praises Leeds United
“Firstly, I want to praise Daniel Farke, he’s a top guy and a top coach, he’s got a very good team there – best team we’ve seen this season,” Harris said. “I can’t see who comes above them in the league from what I’ve seen so far. I’ve not seen everybody, but best team we’ve played for sure. So, it was a special win for us.”
Harris’ Analysis of the Match
Harris described Millwall’s win as a “classic Den performance,” highlighting his team’s:
- Hard work
- Defensive discipline
- Ability to break up play
- Structured possession
- Effective set-pieces
“We knew it would be tough, but we showed great resilience and determination,” Harris added. “We worked hard to nullify Leeds’ threats and created chances of our own.”
Jake Cooper: The Unsung Hero
Millwall’s goal came from a long diagonal pass to Jake Cooper, who nodded down into the path of Japhet Tanganga for the finish. Harris praised Cooper’s impact, saying:
“Jake Cooper is colossal in both boxes. He’s a massive presence, and his ability to win headers is unmatched. We feel Jake could be even more instrumental if given a little bit more protection in the opposing penalty area.”
Call for Protection: Harris Urges Officials to Act
Harris believes Cooper deserves greater protection from officials, citing instances where the defender is “manhandled” without receiving favorable calls.
“At times, he’s manhandled a lot, and when he manhandles someone, the foul goes against him,” Harris said. “But that six-foot-seven is a big part of his game. We need to ensure he’s protected.”
Championship Table: Millwall Moves Up
The victory moves Millwall up to fifth in the Championship table, while Leeds remains third after Sheffield United’s late comeback against Bristol City.
Leeds United’s Season: Promotion Ambitions
Daniel Farke’s side has impressed this season, with many tipping them for promotion. Harris’ praise for Leeds underscores their quality and potential.
Millwall’s Form: Defensive Solidity
The Lions have now secured four consecutive 1-0 home wins, demonstrating their resilience and defensive solidity.
Key Takeaways
- Millwall boss Neil Harris praises Leeds United and Daniel Farke
- Harris calls for greater protection for Jake Cooper
- Millwall moves up to fifth in the Championship table
- Leeds remains third despite defeat
Tactical Analysis
Millwall’s victory can be attributed to:
- Pressing: Millwall’s high-intensity pressing forced Leeds into errors.
- Counter-attacking: Millwall’s swift transitions caught Leeds off guard.
- Set pieces: Millwall’s dead-ball expertise proved decisive.
Player Performances
- Jake Cooper: Dominant in the air and instrumental in Millwall’s goal.
- Japhet Tanganga: Scored the winner and impressed with his pace and vision.
- Bartosz Białkowski: Made crucial saves to secure the clean sheet.
Millwall’s Ambitions
The Lions aim to build on this victory, pushing for a playoff spot.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, but we’re confident in our abilities,” Harris said.
Leeds United’s Response
Farke’s side will look to bounce back from this defeat, focusing on their promotion ambitions.
“We’ll analyze the game and work on improving,” Farke said. “We’re still in a strong position.”
The Championship season is heating up, with Millwall and Leeds United vying for top honors.
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