Expectations were too high on Millwall this season according to Jake Cooper.

Following a sublime first season back in the Championship last year, there were expectations amongst fans that Neil Harris’ side would kick on and improve on their eighth placed finish, but it seems they’ve suffered from ‘second season syndrome.’

The Millwall defender insist that last season’s heroics where they won ten of their last 15 games was not a fluke but was aware that such an achievement would be hard to follow.

“I think we opened a lot of people’s eyes to what a good side we were,” he said.

“We were fresh to the league, teams didn’t really understand us, didn’t take time to work on how we played and how to deal with our threats.

“This season they’re setting up better to cope with us and know where we are a threat.

“That affected us and made it difficult, we had to change a few things which we are now getting to grips.

“It was always going to be difficult this season on the back of our performance last season.”

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With Millwall sitting 20th and in a relegation battle, the 24-year-old can see why the Lions faithful are disappointed in their league position but was equally aware of the pedigree of the teams in the division.

“The fans get excited thinking we can push on further, it’s natural to be like that.

“But the league is so strong, there are some massive teams in this league, it was always going to be difficult to replicate last season.

“Three massive teams came from the Premier League and three massive teams came up from League One so it was always going to be difficult.

“But we need to put things right and finish the season on a high.”

Millwall travel to Leeds this weekend.

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