Nothing has changed for Sheffield United since Chris Wilder’s men romped past a hapless Bristol City in the second leg to set a mouthwatering clash with Sunderland in the Championship play-off final on Saturday. With 23 clean sheets to his name this season, Cooper can’t wait to step on one of the greatest stadiums in the world.
Speaking to reporters in the build-up to the showdown encounter, the Sheffield United goalkeeper said that the Blades' defence will be fully locked in on the opposing frontline's threat at Wembley. The 25-year-old admitted that Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland side is also stacked with talented individuals, which propelled them right into the play-off finals.
“Every game, you expect the defenders and goalkeepers to focus a lot on the opposition’s frontline. And with Sunderland, there’s no difference. There’s a lot of talent in that team as well. We have done our work and we will try to do the best we can,” Cooper said.
Cooper wants Blades to avoid penalty drama at Wembley
With Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson producing a performance for the ages in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Cooper reserved praise for the former Sheffield United stopper after the Eagles secured their first-ever trophy. “He was brilliant this weekend. Hopefully, we don’t have to give away a penalty to save one. That would be much less stressful for me. Watching the way he played and how Crystal Palace defended it was brilliant,” Cooper added.
Cooper’s penalty save against Patrick Roberts earlier this season was a defining moment in a crucial 1-0 victory over Sunderland. How did the experience shape his mental preparation for facing Sunderland’s attackers again in the high-stakes environment? Cooper is hopeful about the summit clash not getting decided on penalties. And if it does, a ‘chilled-out’ Cooper feels more pressure will be on the takers at Wembley.
“Quite a few finals have been ended on penalties. I’m sure Sunderland must have done a lot of research. I’m sure they have. Hopefully, it doesn't go (to penalties) but if it does, we are prepared. We feel good about that situation. I got a rough idea (on his penalty record), and I think it’s okay. But a penalty shootout is a completely different scenario. More pressure on the takers. Don’t think I have won yet in a professional game. If and when it does happen, I’m looking forward to doing that,” Cooper concluded.